Governor Siminilayi Fubara has called upon the citizens of Rivers State to maintain peace and uphold the law following the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu. This declaration, issued on Monday, March 18, comes in response to ongoing political unrest within the state, which has included several failed impeachment attempts against Governor Fubara.


In light of the emergency, President Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, effectively suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly.


In a statement released on Tuesday, March 19, Governor Fubara reaffirmed his dedication to constitutional governance and the welfare of Rivers residents, even amid the political crisis. He stated, “Despite the challenges we face, our commitment to constitutional order and the rule of law remains steadfast. The interests of our people will always come first.”


Governor Fubara highlighted his administration's efforts to foster peace in the state, which included reinstating resigned commissioners and adhering to a Supreme Court ruling aimed at restoring normalcy. However, he also criticized the Rivers State House of Assembly for obstructing progress and meaningful dialogue.


Full Statement from Governor Fubara


“My dear Rivers people,


I address you today with a profound sense of duty and calm as we navigate this challenging chapter in our state’s political journey.


Since taking office, every decision and action I have taken has been grounded in my constitutional oath and a deep sense of responsibility to you, the residents of Rivers State. Our focus has always been on safeguarding lives, property, and the continuous development of our beloved state.


Even during this political impasse, we have remained dedicated to upholding the rule of law and constitutional order, prioritizing the welfare of our people above all else. That is why, following the president’s intervention to foster peace, we acted promptly to implement the terms agreed upon in good faith, including the welcome return of commissioners who had previously resigned.


Moreover, we swiftly complied with the Supreme Court’s ruling as soon as we received the certified true copy, aiming to restore normalcy in our governance.


These actions were not motivated by personal interests but by our commitment to establishing peace, unity, and stability in Rivers State. Unfortunately, our efforts have been met with resistance from some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, complicating our pursuit of genuine peace and progress.


Our priorities remain focused on the safety and security of our people while advancing the well-being and prosperity of all Rivers residents. Yes, we have our political disagreements, but governance must persevere; salaries are being disbursed, and important projects are underway to propel our state forward. Above all, I assure you that under our leadership, Rivers State remains safe, secure, and peaceful.


In these uncertain times, I implore all Rivers people to keep the peace and remain law-abiding. We will actively engage with the relevant institutions to ensure our democracy remains robust and that Rivers State continues to prosper.


We are a resilient people, and together we will confront these challenges with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.”


Let us stand united and committed to the future of Rivers State.