Fubara resumes, pledges inclusive governance

The Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the parties involved in the state’s political crisis have agreed to bury the hatchet and embrace peace in the overall interest of the state. Fubara, who resumed duties yesterday after six months of suspension, said this in a statewide broadcast to the people of […]

The Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the parties involved in the state’s political crisis have agreed to bury the hatchet and embrace peace in the overall interest of the state.

Fubara, who resumed duties yesterday after six months of suspension, said this in a statewide broadcast to the people of Rivers.

Rivers State was placed under emergency rule by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025 following a prolonged political crisis. All democratic institutions in the state were suspended and a former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed sole administrator for six months. On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, the president directed the governor and the Rivers State House of Assembly to return to work.

The governor admitted that the past six months had been enormously challenging for the state under emergency rule but said he chose to abide by the declaration in the interest of peace and stability.

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“This was why I also resisted the pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the declaration of a state of emergency, the suspension of democratic institutions and all other actions we endured during this difficult period,” he said.

Fubara commended President Tinubu for brokering peace among the warring factions.

“In the course of the six-month period, Mr President graciously brokered the peace process with all the parties successfully. Our leader, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and I, as your governor, have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear Rivers State,” he said.

He assured residents that the political crisis was now behind them.

Fubara said the burden now rests on all arms of government and stakeholders to work together for the state’s progress.

The governor expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his “fatherly disposition and decisive interventions.”

Addressing concerns about the peace process, Fubara reassured citizens that inclusivity would guide his administration.

“To those who have expressed genuine fears, frustrations and uncertainty over the nature of the peace process, I assure you that your concerns are valid and understood. However, nothing has been irretrievably lost; there remains ample opportunity for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation and inclusiveness. We must all remember the saying, ‘the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war,’” he added.

He urged citizens to embrace the moment as a fresh start and thanked Rivers people for their resilience and courage during the crisis.

Fubara also extended appreciation to stakeholders, religious and traditional leaders, civil society groups, women and youth organisations and citizens, both at home and abroad for their prayers and support.