Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged to work harmoniously with the Rivers State House of Assembly to recover lost ground and accelerate the social and economic development of the state.
In a statewide broadcast on Friday, Fubara described the six-month emergency rule in Rivers as one of the most challenging periods for the state. He explained that his decision not to contest the presidential declaration of emergency was driven by the conviction that no sacrifice was too great for peace.
“The President graciously brokered peace during this period, and we all accepted it, though not without the hard lessons learnt during the emergency rule,” the governor said.
Fubara expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a “fatherly intervention” that restored full democratic governance to the state. He also acknowledged the role of his political leader and Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, alongside the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and other stakeholders in sustaining peace.
He thanked the Speaker and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for their cooperation, while assuring his supporters that “not everything is irretrievably lost” and that opportunities remain for continued reconciliation and inclusiveness.
“The costly peace is cheaper than the cheapest war,” Fubara stressed, calling for unity and collective effort to build a stronger and more prosperous Rivers State.
The governor recalled his administration’s achievements before the emergency rule, including in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, and promised to resume funding of ongoing projects to ensure completion.
He reiterated his commitment to work with the House of Assembly in the best interest of the state and thanked the people of Rivers for their patience, resilience, and prayers during the period of political crisis.
Fubara urged all stakeholders and citizens, regardless of political, religious, or ethnic affiliation, to join hands in rebuilding Rivers State.