Fubara thanks Tinubu, Wike, pledges to commit to peace in Rivers

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has pledged renewed commitment to peace, reconciliation, and development following the lifting of the six-month state of emergency imposed on the state.

In a statewide broadcast on Friday, Fubara recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared the emergency rule on March 18, 2025, to douse the intense political crisis in the state.

He said that though the period was challenging, his administration cooperated fully with the President and the National Assembly “guided by the conviction that no sacrifice was too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State.”

The governor noted that President Tinubu successfully brokered peace among key political actors, including himself, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and members of the State House of Assembly.

“We believe the political crisis is now behind us and that peace and stability have once again returned to Rivers State, though not without the hard lessons learnt from the emergency rule,” Fubara said.

He commended Tinubu for his “fatherly disposition and decisive interventions,” reaffirming his “utmost loyalty and eternal gratitude” to the President.

Fubara also urged citizens and political leaders to set aside differences and work for the collective interest of the state.

“To those who have expressed genuine fears, frustrations, and uncertainty over the nature of the peace process, I assure you that your concerns are valid and understood. However, nothing has been irretrievably lost; the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war,” he stated.

Highlighting achievements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare over the past two years, the governor promised to refocus on governance and development. He vowed to collaborate with the State House of Assembly to complete ongoing projects, revive the economy, and improve security.

Fubara also expressed appreciation to religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, women, youths, and other stakeholders for their patience and support during the emergency rule.

“Above all, let us draw strength from our shared identity as Rivers people. Our diversity is our greatest asset, and our unity the strongest guarantee of our future,” he said.

The governor further thanked Wike, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, the National Assembly, and the Rivers State House of Assembly for their roles in resolving the crisis.

Fubara concluded by calling on all Rivers citizens to join hands in rebuilding the state, giving glory to God for sustaining peace.