Rivers crisis: Fubara reacts to six months suspension, calls for calm
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has reacted to his suspension and declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the new development would be faced with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.
He noted that though there was political disagreement in the state, it did not affect governance.
It would be recalled that the President had suspended Fubara, his deputy, and the state Assembly members on Tuesday and appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd), as the administrator for a period of six months over lingering political crisis rocking the state which climaxed on Tuesday with the bombing of two oil pipelines by suspected militants.
In his address on Wednesday, Fubara called for 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,” he stated.
Fubara said immediately after the President’s intervention to broker peace, he did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned of their own volition.
He said he moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment after the receipt of the certified true copy of the ruling, adding that his efforts were frustrated by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, thereby making genuine peace and progress difficult.
Fubara stated, “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 has continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects are being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure, and peaceful, and it is 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.”
