Declaration of emergency rule by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saved Rivers State from “looming anarchy”, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara said yesterday.
He said the President’s swift intervention shielded the state from the consequences of the festering political crisis.
Calling on his supporters, Rivers people and Nigerians to commend Tinubu for acting with wisdom at the right time, Fubara noted that the peace and reconciliation process required to restore all executive and legislative institutions and offices in the state was underway.
He assured that democracy and good governance would soon return in the state, with both arms working together for the good of the people.
A statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, said the suspended governor spoke at a meeting with leaders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement as part of activities to mark his two years in office in Port Harcourt yesterday.
Fubara said: “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.
“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.”
Fubara urged his supporters and the entire Rivers people to show unreserved appreciation to the President for his bold action to halt the degenerating political crisis in the state.
He asked them to totally subject themselves to the peace process to enable the state move forward.
He said: “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.
“I don’t know how he gets his information, but the truth is that he acted with wisdom at the right time. He is the one you should thank.
“And let me also thank him personally for his intervention, and the personalities across the country, who moved in and appealed to him to intervene.
“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 noted that but for the political situation, orchestrated by the crisis, the second year celebrations would have been used to showcase some of the key milestones recorded by the administration in various sectors across the state.
Fubara assured that the government would bounce back stronger, more united and engineered to deliver quality dividends of democracy to the people.
Admitting that those angered and aggrieved had the right to be, the governor noted that the time has come for all to embrace peace, pursue reconciliation and forgiveness for the development and progress of the state.
Fubara pleaded for forgiveness from anyone who may have felt disappointed in his handling of the crisis, emphasizing that his actions were guided by a desire to protect the peace and progress of the state.
He expressed appreciation to the President for the steps he had taken as a father to restore peace, stability and good governance in the state and assured of speedy reconciliation with his predecessor, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.
He added that since the President’s intervention, several reconciliatory meetings had been held, including some at the FCT minister’s residence.
He said: “There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my Oga (in reference to the former governor). There will be peace. We are meeting. We will reconcile.”
Fubara said that he was indebted to the people for their sacrifices and opportunity to serve and promised to continue to show respect for the people of the State, who entrusted him with the mandate.
“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,” he said.
He thanked Rivers people and all Nigerians who stood by him during the period of political turbulence, acknowledging their loyalty and prayers.
‘Difficult decisions will be made’
Earlier, Fubara hinted of plans to make difficult decisions in the interest of the state and residents.
Although he did not explain what he meant by “difficult decisions,” he enjoined his supporters to embrace the path of peace, reconciliation and forgiveness.
“Despite the turbulence that erupted in the state shortly after he became governor in 2023, time has come to rebuild the state,” the suspended governor said in a statement.
Fubara told residents that peace, reconciliation and forgiveness were essential to restoring normalcy and transforming infrastructure in the state.
The statement reads: “We are at a crucial point in our journey, where difficult decisions must be made. Be assured that every step we take will be guided by your best interests and the enduring good of Rivers State.
“Your support has emboldened me to press on and not to retreat, but to work harder to foster peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness. These are essential to restoring normalcy and delivering transformational infrastructure, impactful programmes, and life-changing services across the state.
“As we reflect on the lessons of the past two years, I am hopeful for what lies ahead. I look forward to working hand in hand with all of you to build a state we can all be proud of: a Rivers State that stands as a model for the rest of Nigeria.
“To those still carrying the weight of our recent political struggles, I appeal to you, let us turn the page, come together, and focus on our shared goal of progress and unity. The time to rebuild and rise is now.
“In the past two years, our political landscape has undergone significant changes. Despite the turbulence, I have remained steadfast and focused, guided by the oath I took and the solemn promise I made to always put Rivers State first.
“I pledged to protect and promote our collective interests and ensure you enjoy the real dividends of democracy and good governance. That commitment remains unshaken.
“While we have faced daunting political challenges that have, at times, slowed our pace, these two years have not been without meaningful progress.
“I am proud of the visible milestones we have achieved, modest but significant strides in healthcare, education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, human capital development, and the inclusion of women in governance.”
“These achievements would not have been possible without your unwavering support and hope in the brighter future we all envision for Rivers State.”
“For your sacrifices, contributions, and the roles you’ve played in your respective capacities, I say a heartfelt thank you.
“As we look ahead, I reaffirm my pledge to consolidate on our gains and remain fully committed to the key priorities of this administration: peace, security, community welfare, and the socio-economic advancement of our state.”
The Nation
