Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has disclosed that he resisted pressure to legally challenge the constitutionality of the six-month emergency rule imposed on the state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in March, stressing that his decision was borne out of a desire to preserve peace and stability.
In a statewide broadcast on Friday September 19, 2025, Fubara described the period of emergency rule as “enormously challenging” but noted that no sacrifice was too great in the interest of peace.
“I chose to cooperate with Mr. President and the National Assembly, guided by my conviction that no sacrifice was too great to secure the peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State.
“This was why I resisted the pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the declaration,” the governor said.
The governor expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for brokering a peace process that brought him, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Rivers State House of Assembly to the table.
He assured citizens that the crisis was now behind the state and called on all political actors and stakeholders to embrace reconciliation.
Fubara also pledged to work harmoniously with the House of Assembly to restore normalcy, accelerate governance, and complete ongoing projects.
“The responsibility now rests squarely on us, the government, the 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,” he stated.
While acknowledging concerns raised by sections of the public over the nature of the peace process, Fubara urged Rivers people to see the moment as a new beginning.
He reminded citizens that “the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war,” and called for collective commitment to peace, unity, and inclusiveness.
The governor thanked the people of Rivers State for their patience and resilience during the difficult period and emphasized that the state’s diversity must be harnessed as a source of strength.
“Our diversity is our greatest asset, and our unity the strongest guarantee of our future,” he said, appealing for cooperation across political, ethnic, and religious lines.
Fubara concluded with renewed assurances of loyalty to President Tinubu and a pledge to lead Rivers State with humility, fear of God, and a strong sense of duty.
