- Suspended Rivers governor Siminalayi Fubara called for calm and unity in a statement after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state
- Fubara reassured citizens that good governance continued despite the suspension
- He expressed frustration with the Rivers State House of Assembly and urged resilience in navigating the crisis
Suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on the people of the state to remain calm as they navigate the current political crisis.
In a statement signed by Fubara and released on Wednesday, March 19, he reaffirmed his commitment to the state and its people, despite the suspension and the ongoing political impasse.
Fubara assured the citizens that all his actions as governor had been guided by his constitutional oath of office and a deep sense of duty.
“Since assuming office, we have prioritised the protection of lives and property, ensuring the continuous progress of our dear state, Even in the face of this political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interests of our people above all else," he stated.
The governor acknowledged the challenges the state had faced in recent times, particularly following President Bola Tinubu's intervention to address the political discord between the governor and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Fubara pointed out that he had worked in good faith to implement the agreed terms after the President's intervention, including welcoming back commissioners who had resigned voluntarily.
He also emphasised that the state's swift compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment was in a bid to return the state to normalcy.
Despite these efforts, Fubara expressed frustration with the actions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which he claims had consistently frustrated attempts to reach peace.
“At every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress challenging,” he said.
The suspended governor also reassured Rivers citizens that, despite political disagreements, the state continued to function well under his leadership.
"Good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure, and peaceful under our watch."
In light of the current crisis, Fubara urged Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding, stressing the need for unity and resilience.
"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 resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process,” he said.
The statement comes after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich South-South state on Tuesday, March 18.
As part of the emergency measures, the President imposed a six-month suspension on Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
To oversee governance in the state, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator, tasked with restoring order and stability in the region amid the ongoing political turmoil.
Governor Fubara accuses Rivers lawmakers of blocking budget presentation
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, accused the state’s lawmakers of denying him access to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill at the Assembly, despite notifying the House leadership of his intention to do so.
Fubara made the allegation during the inauguration of the Bori Zonal Hospital in Khana Local Government Area on Wednesday, March 12.
