Governor Siminalayi Fubara has resumed duty as Rivers State governor after six months of emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statewide broadcast on Friday, Fubara admitted the period was tough but said it offered important lessons.
“It is without doubt that the last six months had been enormously challenging for our dear State under the emergency rule,” he said.
He explained that he accepted the declaration in the interest of peace and stability, even resisting pressure to go to court. “No sacrifice was too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State,” Fubara said.
Political Truce in Rivers
The governor credited Tinubu for brokering peace between him, his predecessor Nyesom Wike, and the Rivers State House of Assembly. “We have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear Rivers State,” he said.
He urged politicians to set aside differences and protect the peace. “We have a duty to ensure that the peace we have all embraced remains permanent in our dear Rivers State,” he said.
Fubara expressed gratitude to the President for restoring full democratic governance, promising continued loyalty. “Personally, I will never take Mr. President’s kindness for granted,” he said.
A Fresh Beginning
To those anxious about the peace deal, Fubara appealed for calm. “Nothing has been irretrievably lost; there remains ample opportunity for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness,” he said.
He added: “Let us embrace this moment as a fresh beginning. Let us work together with renewed hope and determination to build a stronger, more peaceful and prosperous Rivers State.”
The governor promised to resume projects in infrastructure, education and healthcare that stalled during the crisis. “Our immediate responsibility is to return to the path of governance and development,” he said.
He also pledged to cooperate with the Rivers State House of Assembly. “I commit to working harmoniously with the Assembly to recover lost grounds and accelerate social and economic advancement,” he said.
Fubara thanked the people of Rivers for patience during the emergency. “I wish to sincerely thank you, the resilient people of Rivers State, for your patience, courage, and peaceful conduct,” he said.
The speech establishes the tone for a new sociopolitical climate in the state, which is often the centre of toxic and militant politicking. Observers will be eager to see whether this signals the start of a calmer political culture or if entrenched interests clash and bring old rivalries to the surface.
What should Rivers people expect now — reconciliation that lasts or another season of political tension?Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article and Follow us on our social media handles. You can also Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
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