Amid the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called on citizens to remain peaceful and law-abiding while reaffirming his commitment to protecting lives, property, and democratic order.
In a statewide address delivered in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Fubara expressed concern over the political turmoil but assured residents that his administration had been guided by constitutional principles and a deep sense of duty since assuming office.
“Even in the face of this political impasse, we have remained committed to upholding constitutional order and the rule of law, always putting the interest of our people above all else,” Fubara said.
The statement:
PRESS RELEASE
BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE
𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘
𝗕𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗘𝗫𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗢𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘
My dear Rivers People,
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, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
We 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 on their own volition.
Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.
These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.
Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.
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 a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.
God bless Rivers State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Sir, Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS
