Rivers State Governor, Siminalyi Fubara, has formally resumed with assurance to make necessary adjustments and ensure inclusiveness in his government.
The Governor stated this after a State-wide broadcast on Friday evening, shortly after his arrival from the Port Harcourt International Airport to the Government House.
The Governor noted that the political crisis is now behind, stating that peace and stability have returned to Rivers State with hard lessons learnt from the emergency rule.
Fubara said, “The responsibility now rests squarely on us: the Government, the State House of Assembly, political leaders, and stakeholders to put aside our differences, work for the common good, and advance the interests of our people above all else. We have a duty to ensure that the peace we have all embraced remains permanent in our dear Rivers State.”
The Governor acknowledged that the six months suspension was heavy but reiterated that there is no price too big to pay for peace.
He explained that he accepted to abide by the state of emergency declaration and chose to cooperate with President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly, guided by his conviction that ‘no sacrifice was too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State.’
“This was why I also resisted the pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the declaration of a state of emergency, the suspension of democratic institutions, and all other actions that we endured during this difficult period,” Fubara explained.
He said, “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; there remains ample opportunity for all. We must all remember the saying: ‘the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war.'”
“Let us, therefore, embrace this moment as a fresh beginning. Let us work together with renewed hope and determination to build a stronger, more peaceful, and prosperous Rivers State. I assure you that we will continuously work towards ensuring that we carry everyone along.”
Speaking further, the governor said, despite the turbulence, his administration has achieved credible milestones in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other key sectors over the last two years.
He said his immediate responsibility is to return to the path of governance and development by completing the projects which were started, ensuring none of them is starved of funds or neglected, thereby reviving the economy, protecting lives and property, and improving the wellbeing of all Rivers people.
“I commit to working harmoniously with the Rivers State House of Assembly to recover lost grounds and accelerate the social and economic advancement of our dear State. I also renew my pledge to serve with the fear of God, humility, and a high sense of duty,” he said.
He thanked the people of Rivers State for their patience, courage, and peaceful conduct during the six months of emergency rule.
“I also extend appreciation to all stakeholders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, political actors, women groups, youths, concerned citizens at home and abroad, and well-wishers whose prayers and support sustained us through the challenging period,” said Fubara.
“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 added.
The Governor also thanked the President, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for their peaceful disposition and intervention, and also appreciated the State Assembly members, among others.
