Fubara finally reacts to Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration, suspension

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has responded to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and his subsequent suspension from office.

Tinubu’s decision, which includes the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers for six months, has sparked widespread controversy across the country.

The president also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of the oil-rich state for the duration of the emergency rule.

President Tinubu cited several reasons for his actions, including the ongoing political crisis in the state, the implications of a recent Supreme Court ruling, and the alleged sabotage of oil pipelines by militants reportedly loyal to Mr. Fubara in his conflict with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

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But responding to the development in a statement he personally signed, Fubara called for calm, saying, “We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.”

In the statement titled, “Press Release by the Executive Governor of Rivers State,” the suspended governor blamed the members of the state Assembly loyal to Wike, saying they frustrated all his attempts to comply with the verdict of the Supreme Court.

Fubara said, “My dear Rivers People, 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, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.

“We prioritised 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 judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgment to return the state to normalcy.

“These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.

“Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.

“Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.

“Yes, we have political disagreements, 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 a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process,” he said.