Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has called on citizens and political leaders to prioritise reconciliation and development following the end of six months of emergency rule.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statewide broadcast on Friday, Fubara said he deliberately resisted pressures to legally challenge the constitutionality of the emergency rule and the suspension of democratic institutions, choosing instead to safeguard the peace of the state.
The Governor praised President Tinubu for mediating peace among major political actors in the state, including Wike and members of the Rivers House of Assembly.
Fubara said, “We believe the political crisis is now behind us and that peace and stability have once again returned to Rivers, though not without the hard lessons learnt from the emergency rule.”
He acknowledged the fears and uncertainties expressed by residents about the peace process but assured them that nothing has been irretrievably lost, stressing that the current moment offers opportunities for inclusiveness, reconciliation, and growth.
The Governor urged the House of Assembly, political leaders, and other stakeholders to set aside their differences and work in the interest of the state. He commended Tinubu for his fatherly role and decisive interventions in restoring democratic governance.
He added, “I will never take Mr President’s kindness for granted, and for that, I hereby reaffirm my utmost loyalty and eternal gratitude.”
Fubara reiterated his commitment to completing ongoing projects in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other sectors, while also pledging to work closely with the assembly to recover lost ground and accelerate development.
He expressed gratitude to Rivers people for their patience during the emergency rule, as well as to religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and political stakeholders who supported the peace process.
The Governor also extended appreciation to Wike, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, and members of the national assembly for their roles in resolving the crisis.
Fubara further ex for unity and urged residents to embrace diversity and see it as a strength. He added, “The costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war. Our diversity is our greatest asset, and our unity the strongest guarantee of our future.”
