Why I Didn’t Challenge Emergency Rule

Sim Fubara.

Amid the celebrations marking his return to office yesterday, the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, reflected on the events surrounding his six-month absence from office and explained why he did not feel compelled to contest his suspension.

Governor Fubara, along with his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly, was suspended on March 18 in a national broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who declared a six-month emergency rule due to an unresolved conflict between the governor and the lawmakers.

In a statewide broadcast, Governor Fubara expressed appreciation for the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he credited with resolving the political impasse and restoring democratic governance in a “fatherly and decisive manner”.

Fubara stated: “On behalf of the government and the good people of Rivers State, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. President for his fatherly disposition and decisive interventions in resolving the political crisis and for graciously restoring full democratic governance to our state.”

“Personally, I will never take Mr. President’s kindness for granted, and for that, I hereby reaffirm my utmost loyalty and eternal gratitude.”

He described the emergency rule period as a difficult time, recalling the steps taken by President Tinubu to reconcile the various parties involved in the crisis.

The governor explained that he chose not to challenge the emergency rule because he believed that achieving peace was worth any personal or political sacrifice.

He said: “It is without doubt that the last six months had been enormously challenging for our dear state under the emergency rule.”

“As your governor, I accepted to abide by the state of emergency declaration and chose to cooperate with Mr. President and the National Assembly, guided by my 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.”

“In the course of the six-month period, Mr. President graciously brokered the peace process with all the parties successfully.”

“Our Leader, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike; all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly; and I, as your Governor, have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear Rivers State.”

Governor Fubara acknowledged the fears and uncertainties expressed by some concerning the peace process and assured them that their concerns were understood.

He said, “However, nothing has been irretrievably lost. There remains ample opportunity for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness.”

“We must all remember the saying, ‘The costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war.’”

“Accordingly, 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.”

He added that, despite the turbulent period, his administration had achieved notable progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other key areas over the past two years.

The governor emphasised that his government must now focus on the business of governance and development, ensuring that all initiated projects are completed and adequately funded.

On his working relationship with the House of Assembly going forward, Fubara said, "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 thanked “the resilient people of Rivers for their patience, courage and peaceful conduct during the six months of emergency rule.”

The governor extended his gratitude to various stakeholders, including religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, political figures, women and youth groups, as well as concerned citizens both within and outside the country, for their prayers and support throughout the challenging period.

Fubara urged the people of Rivers State to take pride in their shared identity, stating that their diversity was their greatest strength and their unity the best guarantee of a better future.

“We must rise above bitterness and division and channel our energies into rebuilding trust, fostering inclusiveness and securing a peaceful and prosperous state for all,” he said.

Referring to Wike as “our leader”, Fubara expressed appreciation for his commitment to resolving the political crisis in the state.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen; and members of the National Assembly for the roles they played in resolving the conflict.

Fubara praised the Speaker and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, respected elders, stakeholders, and citizens for working together to resolve their disagreements and promote peace in the state.

He called on all Rivers citizens, regardless of their political, religious, or ethnic background, to join in rebuilding the state and creating a future of dignity and progress for everyone.

Appealing to all stakeholders to make the peace sustainable, Fubara stated, “We believe the political crisis is now behind us and that peace and stability have once again returned to Rivers State, though not without the hard lessons learnt from the emergency rule.”

“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.”

Before delivering the statewide broadcast, Fubara had returned to Government House and described the warm welcome he received as both humbling and symbolic.

He said, “Let me first of all appreciate the wonderful people of Rivers State. I am really humbled by what I saw at the airport.”

“I was also briefed on some photographs of what happened here yesterday. That reception really humbled me. It showed love, confidence, and solidarity.”

The governor remarked that the massive turnout was not merely a celebration but a confirmation of the deep connection between his government and the people.

“It is not just the massive reception by the number of people who came out to celebrate but a reaffirmation of the bond between this government and the people that we are serving. I want to assure you that we will, by the grace of God, continue to do those things that have made you people love us.”