Fubara Explains Why He Respected Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers State

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has explained why he resisted pressure from his supporters to challenge the emergency rule declared in the state by President Bola Tinubu, saying his decision was guided by the need to secure peace, stability and progress for the people.

Fubara made the remarks on Friday in a statewide broadcast after his return to the state following the expiration of the emergency rule. He was received at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, alongside his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, two days after President Tinubu lifted the declaration and ordered his reinstatement. Their aircraft touched down at 12:15 pm to a heroic welcome from supporters and political associates.

Among those present were former Commissioner for Information Emma Okah, former Commissioner for Health Dr Adaeze Oreh, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands Orji Ngofa, former Commissioner for Environment Sydney Gbara and former factional Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo. Others included former youth commissioner Chisom Gbali, ex-environment commissioner Evans Bipi, former NUPENG President Igwe Achese, Dr Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja and several former council chairmen.

President Tinubu had announced the end of the emergency on Wednesday, which concluded the six-month tenure of ex-naval chief Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as sole administrator. The political crisis had pitted Fubara against his predecessor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, leading to impeachment moves, violent protests and the burning of the State Assembly complex.

In his address, Fubara described the period as “enormously challenging” but said he chose not to challenge the constitutionality of the emergency in order to allow peace to return. “As your governor, I accepted to abide by the declaration and chose to cooperate with Mr President and the National Assembly, guided by my conviction that the sacrifice was not too great to secure peace, stability and progress of Rivers State” he said.

The governor commended Tinubu for brokering reconciliation between him, Wike and members of the State Assembly. “Our leader Nyesom Wike, all members of the House of Assembly and I as your governor have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace in the best interest of our dear state” he said.

Fubara reaffirmed loyalty to Tinubu, thanked residents for their support and urged those sceptical of the peace process to be patient. “Nothing has been irretrievably lost. There remain ample opportunities for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation and inclusiveness” he assured.

At its first plenary after the emergency rule, the State Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, called on the governor to immediately forward commissioner-nominees for screening and to submit the Appropriation Bill. Lawmakers also resolved to review spending during the six-month period.

Celebrations broke out in Port Harcourt as news of Fubara’s arrival spread, with jubilant crowds, musical bands and civil servants welcoming him back to Government House after six months. The governor, visibly moved by the show of support, pledged to refocus on governance and service delivery, assuring that “the bond with Rivers people continues.”