Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has confirmed that he will be resuming duties at the Brick House “very soon,” following months of political crisis that gripped the oil-rich state.
Fubara made the disclosure during a meeting with leaders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement to commemorate his two years in office.
Addressing the gathering in Port Harcourt, he made a rallying call for peace, forgiveness, and gratitude to President Bola Tinubu.
“I want to assure you that the issues will soon be resolved, and you will come back to your offices, not just at the Executive arm, but also legislative arm,” Fubara said. “And I also believe that the strong relationships we had before will return, and we will begin to work together again, for the good and progress of the State. What is important is for us to have a forgiving spirit.”
The governor commended President Tinubu for his timely intervention in the state’s political crisis, crediting him with preventing a descent into chaos.
“We are already in the peace process. I want you to thank Mr President for his timely intervention to salvage the situation, and stabilise the polity and the State. If not for Mr President, the story today would have been different.”
According to Fubara, the peace and reconciliation efforts are progressing steadily, and discussions have been ongoing, even at the residence of former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my Oga,” he revealed, referring to Wike. “There will be peace. We are meeting. We will reconcile.”
“We have to come down from our high horses and subject ourselves to the peace process. And that is what we are doing. What is important is for the State to move forward. It is not about you; the interest of the State is paramount,” he added.
Fubara admitted that the crisis overshadowed what could have been a moment of showcasing his administration’s achievements, but assured citizens that the government would “bounce back stronger.”
He also extended an olive branch to those who felt disappointed in his leadership during the crisis, saying his decisions were made in the interest of preserving peace.
“One important thing in this life is respect. I want to earn the respect of the people, not force it on them…I’m with you completely,” Fubara stated.
President Tinubu had earlier intervened in the political standoff between Governor Fubara and loyalists of his predecessor. The president had in March suspended the governor, his deputy and members of the state legislature.
