Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged the people of the state to remain calm in the face of the political impasse in the state.
In a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, Fubara said since assuming office, all his actions and decisions have been guided by his constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
“I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history. Since assuming office as your governor, we have prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear state.
“Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.
“This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned of their own volition.
“Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment immediately after we received the certified true copy of the judgment to return the state to normalcy,” he said.
According to him, these steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity, and stability in the state.
“Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress challenging.
“Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
“Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure, and peaceful under our watch.
“At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive. We have always been resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process,” he averred.
President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich South South state.
He also slammed a six-month suspension on Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the state lawmakers.
Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast, said his decision was taken to restore stability in the state that has been witnessing political turmoil as a result of the disagreement between the state governor and the state lawmakers.
“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” the President declared.
The president appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s administrator to oversee governance.
The PUNCH
