Rivers crisis: Fubara urges Nigerians to thank Tinubu

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on Nigerians, especially the people of Rivers, to extend their gratitude to President Bola  Tinubu for his timely intervention in the political crisis threatening to destabilise the state.

Speaking in Port Harcourt during a meeting with members of the Simplified Movement—a political group aligned with his administration—as part of events marking his second year in office, Fubara said efforts aimed at restoring stability in both the executive and legislative arms of government were underway.

He gave assurances that Rivers State would soon witness a return to democratic governance and effective collaboration between the arms of government, all for the benefit of the citizenry.

“I want to assure you that the issues will soon be resolved, and you will come back to your offices; not just at the Executive arm, but also Legislative arm. And I also believe that the strong relationships we had before will return, and we will begin to work together again, for the good and progress of the State. What is important is for us to have a forgiving spirit,” he said.

The governor urged his supporters and residents to appreciate President Tinubu for taking bold steps that prevented the situation from spiralling into chaos.

“We are already in the peace process. I want you to thank Mr President for his timely intervention to salvage the situation, and stabilise the polity and the State. If not for Mr President, the story today would have been different.

“I don’t know how he gets his information, but the truth is that he acted with wisdom at the right time. He is the one you should thank. And let me also thank him personally for his intervention, and the personalities across the country, who moved in and appealed to him to intervene.”

He emphasised the need for political actors to embrace the peace process and work in unity for the good of the state. “We have to come down from our high horses, and subject ourselves to the peace process. And that is what we are doing. What is important is for the State to move forward. It is not about you, the interest of the State is paramount.”

Fubara noted that, under normal circumstances, his administration would have used the second anniversary to highlight achievements across different sectors. However, the ongoing political impasse had overshadowed that possibility.

Despite the crisis, he maintained that the government would emerge more focused and resilient, delivering better outcomes for the people. He acknowledged the grievances of those upset with the turn of events but stressed the importance of reconciliation.

He appealed to anyone hurt by the crisis or by his actions to forgive him, insisting that his decisions were aimed at protecting peace in the state.

Fubara also indicated that his rift with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Rivers governor, Nyesom Wike, was being addressed through ongoing reconciliation efforts.

“There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my Oga,” he said, referring to Wike. “There will be peace. We are meeting. We will reconcile.”

He added that several meetings had taken place since President Tinubu’s intervention, including some held at the residence of the FCT Minister.

Expressing gratitude to Rivers people and Nigerians for their support during the turbulent period, Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to serve with humility and respect.

“One important thing in this life is respect. I want to earn the respect of the people, not force it on them…I’m with you completely,” he said.