By Eshiorameh Sebastian, Abuja
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has given a detailed explanation for his decision not to challenge the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, stating that his choice was guided by the desire to secure peace, stability, and progress for the people of the state.
Governor Fubara made these remarks on Friday during a statewide broadcast, marking his official return to power just two days after President Tinubu lifted the six-month emergency rule.
The President’s declaration in March had led to the installation of a sole administrator, retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, and temporarily suspended democratic institutions in the state.
The governor’s return was met with a heroic welcome. His aircraft touched down at the Port Harcourt International Airport at 12:15 pm, where a crowd of supporters, including former commissioners and political allies, had gathered to receive him. The atmosphere was one of celebration and relief, a stark contrast to the political turmoil that had preceded the emergency period.
From the airport, the governor proceeded to the Government House in Port Harcourt, where the celebration continued. Thousands of jubilant supporters sang and danced, expressing their joy at his return. The scene inside the Government House was equally electric, with workers joining in the celebrations as Fubara inspected offices and facilities he had been absent from for half a year.
Addressing the state, Governor Fubara described the last six months as “enormously challenging.” He revealed that he had faced significant pressure from supporters to legally challenge the constitutionality of the emergency declaration and the suspension of democratic structures. However, he consciously chose a different path.
“As your governor, I accepted to abide by the state of emergency declaration and chose to cooperate with Mr President and the National Assembly,” Fubara stated. “I was guided by my conviction that the sacrifice was not too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State. This was why I also resisted the pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the declaration.”
The political crisis in Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s most fierce in recent times, pitted Governor Fubara against his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Once close allies, their fallout over control of state structures and resources led to a deeply divided House of Assembly, impeachment moves, protests, and even violence, including the burning of the Assembly complex.
President Tinubu’s initial intervention involved brokering a peace deal, but when that failed to calm tensions, the declaration of a state of emergency followed. In his broadcast, Fubara commended the President for his role in reconciling the warring parties.
“Our leader, Nyesom Wike, all members of Rivers State House of Assembly, and I as your governor have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear state,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu, promising never to take the intervention for granted. He also directly addressed residents who remain sceptical about the durability of the newly brokered peace. “To those who have expressed genuine fear, frustration and uncertainty over the nature of the peace process, I assure you that your concerns are valid and understood,” Fubara said. “However, nothing has been irretrievably lost. There remain ample opportunities for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness.”
The work of governance resumed swiftly. On Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly held its first plenary after the six-month hiatus. Presided over by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, the Assembly called on the governor to immediately forward a list of commissioner-nominees for screening and confirmation. It also requested the submission of the Rivers State Appropriation Bill and indicated that members would review how funds were spent during the emergency rule period.
This sets the stage for the next chapter in Rivers State politics. While the key players have publicly agreed to peace, the absence of prominent politicians loyal to Wike at the airport welcoming ceremony for Governor Fubara suggests that the path to full reconciliation may still require work.
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