By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The embattled Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has sued for calm and peace among the people, amidst the declaration of emergency in the State, and his suspension from office for an initial six months.
President Bola Tinubu, in a move that has left not a few shocked and utterly disappointed, on Tuesday, declared Emergency Rule in Rivers State, and, suspended, the Governor ,his Deputy and Members of the State House of Assembly in the State.
The President cited the breakdown of governance, potent threat to peace and stability, as well as the need to restore sanity in Rivers State, and the country as major reasons.
The declaration of a State Emergency by the President marks the climax of months of intense political struggle for the control of the soul of Rivers State between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister.
In a nationwide broadcast Tuesday evening, President Tinbubu, appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff ,Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, as the Administrator of the State for an initial period of six months.
However, reacting to the development Tuesday night March 18 ,2025 in a statement which he personally signed, Governor Fubara insisted that he has remained loyal to the peace, interest, and wellbeing of the State and the people ever since mounting the saddle in 2023.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the peace and stability of the State, the rule of law and democracy.
“I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility ,and calm as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our State’s political history.
“Since assuming office as your Governor, we have prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.
“Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.
“This was why immediately after Mr President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back Commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.
“Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment after receiving the Certified True Copy of the judgment to return the State to normalcy.
“But unfortunately, at every turn,the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress challenging.
Our priorities remained the security of lives and property, advancing the wellbeing, and prosperity of Rivers people .
“Yes, we have political disagreement, but 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. At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
“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”, the statement reads in part.
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