Siminalayi Fubara calls for unity after tough rule

Siminalayi Fubara calls for unity after Rivers’ emergency rule, urging reconciliation and praising Tinubu’s role in restoring peace

In a statewide broadcast on Friday, the governor reflected on the suspension of democratic governance that began on 18 March 2025, when President Bola Tinubu imposed emergency rule in response to a political crisis.

Also read: Siminalayi Fubara schedules heartfelt broadcast after return

During this period, a sole administrator managed the state, while Fubara, his deputy and members of the House of Assembly were removed from office.

Acknowledging the strain of the intervention, Fubara said he had accepted the declaration in good faith, stressing that “no sacrifice was too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State.”

He admitted he resisted pressure to challenge the legality of the measure, choosing instead to cooperate with the President to restore calm.

The governor credited Tinubu’s peace process, which brought together all key stakeholders including former governor and now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. According to Fubara, all parties agreed to “bury the hatchet” and work for reconciliation.

He urged political leaders, the House of Assembly and his administration to shoulder the responsibility of building lasting peace.

“Nothing has been irretrievably lost; there remains ample opportunity for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness,” he assured citizens.

Fubara also expressed gratitude to Tinubu for his “fatherly disposition and decisive interventions,” while thanking stakeholders and residents for their resilience during the turbulent months.

The emergency rule, lifted by Tinubu on 17 September 2025, was imposed to address paralysis in governance, including a blocked budget and attacks on state assets.

Also read: Governor Fubara returns to Rivers State after emergency lifted

With democratic structures now restored, Fubara returned to Port Harcourt on Friday to resume office, as the Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened to demand a new appropriation bill and accountability for spending during the interim administration.