Fubara Signals Challenge to President Tinubu’s State of Emergency

Declares: “We Will Engage Relevant Institutions to Protect Democracy”

Embattled Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has vowed to engage with all relevant institutions to safeguard democracy and ensure the continued progress of the state. 

The Governor’s statement on Wednesday, came at the heels of his suspension by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly for six months, citing escalating political tensions.  

In his address titled “A Message to the People of Rivers State,” Governor Fubara expressed a deep sense of responsibility and calm, even as he navigated what he described as an “unfortunate moment” in the state’s political history. 

He reiterated his commitment to the constitutional oath of office and the rule of law, emphasising that his administration had prioritised the protection of lives and property while ensuring the continuous development of the state.  

“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,” Fubara stated. 

He highlighted his administration’s efforts to maintain peace and stability, even in the face of a political impasse, and pointed to his swift implementation of the terms brokered by President Tinubu during his intervention.  

“We did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition,” Fubara said. 

He also noted his administration’s compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment to restore normalcy to the state, actions he said were taken to foster peace, unity, and stability.  

However, the Governor lamented that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly had consistently frustrated his efforts, making genuine peace and progress difficult to achieve. Despite these challenges, Fubara emphasised that his administration had remained focused on delivering good governance, paying salaries, and executing projects to move the state forward.  

“Rivers State is safe, secure, and peaceful under our watch,” he declared, urging the people of the state to remain calm and law-abiding during this critical period.  

The most striking part of Fubara’s statement came towards the end, where he signalled a potential challenge to the President’s decision. “We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive,” he said. 

It’s unclear whether Fubara will challenge the decision of the President, his statement suggests that the Governor may be exploring legal and constitutional avenues to contest the state of emergency declaration, which he views as an overreach of executive power.