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  • Rivers NASS caucus urges Fubara, Assembly to unite for people’s interest

    Rivers NASS caucus urges Fubara, Assembly to unite for people’s interest

    The Rivers State Caucus in the National Assembly has appealed to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly to demonstrate genuine commitment anchored on openness, unity, and purposeful governance to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

    In a statement jointly signed by Senator Bari Mpigi, Hon. Dum Dekor, Rt. Hon. O.K. Chinda and Rep. Cyril Hart, the caucus commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for lifting the six-month suspension of democratic structures in Rivers State, describing the decision as timely amid rising security and political challenges.

    They further urged elders, leaders, stakeholders, and citizens to support the governor and lawmakers in fostering harmony and progress while pledging their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the interests of Rivers State.

    Read Also: Fubara returns to seething Rivers State

    The statement read in parts, “We note that, though the invocation of emergency rule on March 18, 2025, elicited mixed reactions from concerned individuals. Members of the Caucus are happy that President Tinubu, being a democrat, has taken the right decision for the resumption of all democratic apparatus in the State. Indeed, this has further shown his commitment to democratic norms, peace, unity, and development of Rivers State and the entire country.

    “Conscious that lessons have been learnt; experiences have been garnered, the Caucus urges all stakeholders in Rivers State to embrace true peace, and genuine reconciliation for the common good of all.

    “Also, we urge our dear Governor, His Excellency, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewule led the Assembly to demonstrate unfeigned commitment, anchored on openness, unity, and focus towards ensuring that they accomplish purposeful delivery of dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State.

    “Going forward, the Caucus calls on our Elders, Leaders, stakeholders, and the people of Rivers to embrace togetherness by supporting Governor Fubara and members of the State Assembly in their resolve to work harmoniously for the interest of the state. In doing this, all the indigenes and lovers of Rivers State must eschew bickering, propaganda, cleavages, media hype, and some other narrow-minded persuasions that are not necessary for the meaningful development of the state.

    “We remain committed to protecting the interests of Rivers State at all times and shall always work towards a harmonious and progressive relationship among all stakeholders.”

  • Peace remains catalyst for Rivers State unity, growth, says Fubara

    Peace remains catalyst for Rivers State unity, growth, says Fubara

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has said peace is the catalyst for the unity, growth and development of the state.

    He urged the church and residents of the state to remain steadfast in prayers as he returned to power after a six-month hiatus..

    The governor spoke yesterday at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Opobo Town, headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, in his first church service after reinstatement.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor said prayers and intercessions had been the pillar of his strength and would remain critical as he worked to fulfill his mandate to the people.

    The service was said to be part of the “2025 Harvest of Divine Possibilities” and a thanksgiving for the governor.

    READ ALSO: Nine ways to celebrate a friend without breaking the bank

    Fubara explained that his mission was a quiet visit to thank God for upholding his family, Rivers State, and Nigeria.

    He said: “I am here together with my wife this first Sunday after the suspension of the state of emergency. We cannot thank God enough as a family. Our being here is private; we came simply to worship in our home church.

    “When my story ends, this church will lead me to my next journey. So, it is important that I come here to say ‘thank you’ quietly before the Almighty God for what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will continue to do, not just for me and my family but for this State and Nigeria.”

    Fubara thanked the people of Opobo for their fasting and intercession on his behalf, stressing that their benediction had been answered.

    The governor, who likened prayers to deposits in a bank, whose dividends manifest in due season,  also underscored the importance of peace in fostering unity and development.

    He aligned his remarks with the commemoration of the International Day of Peace.

    Fubara added: “The greatest gift anyone can wish for is peace. Peace in the home prevents sickness and worry. Peace in the community attracts development. Peace within yourself promotes good health.

    “Truly, peace is the most important thing. I urge everyone to hold peace dear as a symbol of unity and a foundation for the progress of our dear state.”

    The governor reaffirmed his rededication to the service of Rivers people, seeking continued prayers and support for his administration as it charts a renewed course of leadership.

    The church service featured special prayers, led by the Vicar of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Venerable Emmanuel Nwuju, for the First Family, the success of the administration, and the peace and prosperity of Rivers State and Nigeria.

    Fubara was accompanied by his wife, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara; the Chief of Staff, Dr. Edison Ehie; and other stakeholders, including Chief Oris Onyiri, Amaopusenibo Fubara Hart, Damiete Herbert Miller, and Chief Theodore Georgewill.

    Also present were the Executive Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Council, James A. James; his Vice, Mrs. Gladys Daniel Legg-Jack; and other dignitaries.

  • Peace remains catalyst for Rivers’ unity, growth, says Fubara

    Peace remains catalyst for Rivers’ unity, growth, says Fubara

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has described peace as the catalyst for the unity, growth, and development of the state.

    Fubara also appealed to the church and people of the state to remain steadfast in prayers as he began a fresh journey in governance.

    The governor spoke on Sunday in his first church service after reinstatement at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Opobo Town, headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area.

    Fubara, in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, said prayers and intercessions had been the pillar of his strength and would remain critical as he worked to fulfill his mandate to the people.

    Read Also: Oluremi Tinubu marks birthday with call for national library completion

    The service was said to be part of the “2025 Harvest of Divine Possibilities” and thanksgiving.

    The governor explained that his mission was a quiet visit to return thanks to God for His faithfulness towards his family, Rivers State, and Nigeria at large.

    He said, “I am here together with my wife this first Sunday after the suspension of the state of emergency. We cannot thank God enough as a family. Our being here is private; we came simply to worship in our home church.

    “When my story ends, this church will lead me to my next journey. So, it is important that I come here to say thank you quietly before the Almighty God for what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will continue to do, not just for me and my family, but for this State and Nigeria”.

    Fubara thanked the people of Opobo for years of fasting and intercession on his behalf, stressing that their prayers had been answered.

    The governor, who likened prayers to deposits in a bank, whose dividends manifest in due season, underscored the importance of peace in fostering unity and development, aligning his remarks with the commemoration of the International Day of Peace.

    He said, “The greatest gift anyone can wish for is peace. Peace in the home prevents sickness and worry. Peace in the community attracts development. Peace within yourself promotes good health.

    “Truly, peace is the most important thing. I urge everyone to hold peace dear as a symbol of unity and a foundation for the progress of our dear state”.

    Fubara reaffirmed his rededication to the service of Rivers people, urging continued prayers and support for his administration as it charts a renewed course of leadership.

    The church service featured special prayers led by Venerable Emmanuel Nwuju, Vicar of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, for the First Family, the success of the administration, and the peace and prosperity of Rivers State and Nigeria.

    Fubara was accompanied by his wife, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara; Chief of Staff, Dr. Edison Ehie; and other stakeholders, including Chief Oris Onyiri, Amaopusenibo Fubara Hart, Hon. Damiete Herbert Miller, and Chief Theodore Georgewill. Also present were the Executive Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Council, Barrister James A. James; his Vice, Mrs. Gladys Daniel Legg-Jack; and other dignitaries.

  • Fubara returns to seething Rivers State

    Fubara returns to seething Rivers State

    Returnee governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, was expressionless as he addressed the state last Friday. He was incredibly conciliatory. He talked approvingly about his refusal to challenge last March’s emergency rule declaration, appreciated the president for his fatherly role in the whole saga, lauded the combative former governor Nyesom Wike, held out an olive branch to the state legislature, appealed to all injured by the events of the last six months and even farther back to embrace peace, and pledged to intensify his developmental strides. Whoever wrote that speech for him was a virtuoso: it was a model in political correctness, succinctness, and self-effacement.

    While Governor Fubara’s speech was textually brilliant, and the elocution sombre, few were persuaded last week that his heart was in it. He wore a glacial expression, albeit with a pained look delicately etched on his visage, and he read the speech with a slight injection of pathos. Some of his supporters as well as cynical commentators have suggested that the governor’s return to office mimicked the fate of a subdued hero, promising that they would exact some revenge on his behalf in the next poll. It seems likely that the state will continue to seethe in the next few months or more depending on how the governor manages the aftermath of the two years of brutal battle for the control of the hearts and souls of Riverians.

    There are doubts as to the capacity of the governor to manage the aftermath. He may have read a brilliant speech, but not much effort was put into getting him to correspondingly look the part. He has a close circle of aides, something akin to a kitchen cabinet, but they were probably men and women cut from the same cloth as he is. It was his duty to surround himself with a body of advisers who have the spirit of the gods, men whose counsels would prove both unerring and farsighted. He didn’t or couldn’t. If he had such men, they would have noticed a few outstanding issues relating to his impending broadcast, and perhaps helped to instill some pretentious enthusiasm in his delivery.

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    The peace Mr Fubara so eloquently spoke about in his broadcast, the same peace so tentatively alluded to by his former enemies, will likely be tested severely in the early weeks of his return to office. Before the open confrontation broke out less than a year after he was sworn in, the legislature was skewed against him: he had about four while the other side had the preponderant 27 or so. The same skewness still prevails. Could the lawmakers, some of whom appear to be diehard opponents, be trusted to restrain themselves in their dealings with the governor? Could they be trusted not to view the governor as a defeated foe? At the local government level, all but three LGAs have been warehoused in the All Progressives Congress (APC) far out of the reach of the governor, and amenable to the fiery control of the national ruling party. Here, the governor will have little elbow room. And to boot, Mr Fubara must now submit his budget and cabinet nominations to the lawmakers for vetting in tandem with democratic principles. Indeed, he will be sorely tested. Having spurned the last opportunity offered him last February by the Supreme Court judgment which reprimanded him for his dictatorial tendencies and ordered him to make amends, could he be relied upon to sensibly judge the spirit of the times? No one can say conclusively.

    But these imponderables are not insurmountable if Mr Fubara can assemble men and women able to coax him away from the cliff edge where he seems to perch. He cannot do it the extrication by himself. He lacks the depth and temperament. But whether he can even find gifted counsellors in Rivers is hard to say, for that state in the last two years has proved too implacable for their own peace of mind. In love and hate, and especially in political affiliations, they have often yielded to damning excesses. But needs must when the devil drives. The ball, once again, is in Mr Fubara’s court. He will have to find the temper and wisdom to juggle the difficult ball downfield. He must not play offside, and must not engage in dangerous tackle. If that means stooping to conquer, by all means, let him do it in order to berth the ship of state in 2027 safely.

  • Why I didn’t challenge emergency rule — Fubara

    Why I didn’t challenge emergency rule — Fubara

    • Hails Tinubu’s intervention as fatherly, decisive

    • Commends Wike, Akpabio, Abbas, others

    • Commits to honour agreements, cordial relations with Assembly

    Amid the euphoria that greeted his return to office yesterday, Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, recalled the circumstances that surrounded his six-month absence from office and why he did not see any need to challenge his suspension.

    Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu and members of the state’s House of Assembly were all suspended on March 18 in a broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declaring a six-month emergency rule following an intractable face-off between the governor and the lawmakers.

    Addressing the people in a statewide broadcast, Governor Fubara hailed the intervention of Presisent Bola Ahmed Tinubu in resolving the political crisis and restoring democratic governance in a fatherly and decisive manner.

    Fubara said: “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 last six months of emergency rule as challenging even as he recalled the steps President Tinubu took to reconcile all the warring parties.

    The governor said he resisted the pressure to challenge the emergency rule because of his conviction that no sacrifice was too great to secure peace.

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

    READ ALSO: Nigerian artistes dominate UK Afrobeats chart top

    “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.”

    Fubara assured those expressing genuine fears, frustrations and uncertainties over the nature of the peace process that their concerns were valid and 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.”

    The governor said despite the turbulence, his administration made credible milestones in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other key sectors over the last two years.

    He noted that his government was faced with immediate responsibility to return to the path of governance and development by completing the projects it started and ensuring that none of them was starved of funds or neglected.

    On his 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.”

    The governor thanked “the resilient people of Rivers for their patience, courage and peaceful conduct during the six months of emergency rule.

    He extended his 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 them through the challenging period.

    Fubara appealed to Rivers people to draw strength from their shared identity, saying that their diversity remained their greatest asset, and their unity the strongest guarantee of their 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 thanked him for committing to the prompt resolution of the political impasse in the state.

    He thanked the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen; and the distinguished members of the National Assembly for the role they all played in the resolution of the matter.

    Fubara hailed the Speaker and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, respected elders, stakeholders and all concerned citizens for working together to resolve their differences and ensuring peace and harmony in the state.

    He called on all citizens of Rivers State, regardless of political, religious, or ethnic affiliation, to join hands in rebuilding the state and securing a future of dignity and progress for everyone.

    Calling for commitment by all stakeholders to make the existing peace in the state permanent, Fubara said: “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”.

    Prior to his state broadcast, Fubara, after arriving at Government House, described the rousing reception as humbling and deeply 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 with some photographs of what happened here yesterday. That reception really humbled me. It showed love, confidence, and solidarity.”

    The governor stressed that the overwhelming turnout was more than a celebration, but an affirmation of the enduring 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.”

    Heroic reception greets Fubara’s return

    The governor’s broadcast came few hours after he arrived in Rivers to a heroic reception by a crowd of jubilant residents yesterday.

    The enthusiatic supporters gathered at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, as early as 6am to wait for the arrival of Fubara, who was coming to resume duties after the emergency rule was lifted.

    In the crowd were hundreds of the disbanded Simplified Family of the governor, including their leaders and former sacked local government chairmen.

    The Deputy Governor of the state, Prof. Ngozi Odu, was at the airport to receive Fubara.

    Sacked Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Ichemati Ezebunwo, popularly known as Sugar Mayor; a former Commissioner for Information and Communications, Emma Okah; former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh; former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Oji Ngofa; former Commissioner for Environment, Sydney Gbara and former minority speaker of the three-man House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo, were among those that waited for the governor.

    Others were former Commissioner for Youths, Chisom Gbali; former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Evans Bipi; former President of NUPENG, Igwe Achese; and former Commissioner for Education, Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, among others.

    The jubilant supporters, especially the women, were dressed in colourful attires as they sang and danced in expectation of Fubara.

    Some members of Women Unite for SIM, a prayer group, were also sighted among the persons waiting for him at the airport’s car park.

    After waiting for hours, the spirit of the people was lifted when the governor’s official convoy made a grand entry into the VIP wing of the airport, signaling the imminence of his arrival.

    The atmosphere at the airport and the mood of the people changed when the first aircraft belonging to Rivers State Government descended at the tarmac at about 11.40am.

    Most people thought that Fubara was on board the aircraft as they positioned their gadgets to capture him stepping out of the plane.

    Protocol officers laid red carpet towards the plane’s entrance only to discover that the governor was not on board the plane.

    But more than 30 minutes after, a chartered aircraft with registration number 5N-BTX, an Embraer Legacy 600 owned and operated by Anap Jets, a Nigerian airline, arrived the airport.

    The governor stepped down from the aircraft at about 12.20pm after the conclusion of all the protocols at the VIP wing of the airport.

    On sighting the governor, the crowd hailed him and called him various names such as the icon of peace, the ocean, among others.

    Fubara, who wore a blue jeans shirt, a black fez cap and a pair of glasses, was accompanied by his wife, Valerie and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.

    The supporters, who thronged at the airport, were in jubilation as they received Fubara with many of them shouting: “We love you our governor”.

    Fubara was immediately ushered into his vehicle and his convoy with siren blaring headed for the Government House in Port Harcourt.

    From the airport to Government House, crowds thronged out in celebration of the governor’s arrival as they reaffirmed their loyalty and bond with his administration.

    Rivers women hail Tinubu, Wike, Fubara

    Rivers Women under the aegis of Rivers Women Unite for Sim also applauded President Tinubu, Fubara and the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, alongside other leaders and stakeholders, for their roles in ending the political impasse and restoring democracy in Rivers State.

    They spoke after their special fellowship tagged: “Finger of God” at the Ecumenical Centre, Port Harcourt.

    The women noted that the suspension of emergency rule and return of democratic structures was a welcome development for the people of Rivers

    They commended all Rivers people, civil society groups, and the media who stood firm during the trying times, and called for forgiveness, deeper healing, reconciliation, and unity to ensure lasting peace, progress and development in the state.

  • Rivers: Ex-lawmaker hails Tinubu, tasks Fubara on state’s peace, progress

    Rivers: Ex-lawmaker hails Tinubu, tasks Fubara on state’s peace, progress

    A former lawmaker in Lagos State, Jude Idimogu, has appealed to the reinstated Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers to put the past behind him and take urgent steps to entrench lasting peace in the state.

    Idimogu, deputy apex leader of Ndigbo in Lagos APC told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday that all stakeholders must guard the peace restored in the state.

    Read Also: FULL TEXT: Statewide broadcast of Rivers Gov Siminalayi Fubara on resumption after emergency rule

    The lawmaker, who represented Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 02 at the Lagos State House of Assembly between 2015 and 2023, commended President Bola Tinubu for being man of his words, reinstating Fubara as governor of the state.

    NAN recalls that Tinubu had on March 18 proclaimed an emergency rule in Rivers, following a lingering political crisis in the state.

    The crisis, caused by a power tussle between Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesome Wike, created political tension

  • FULL TEXT: Statewide broadcast of Rivers Gov Siminalayi Fubara on resumption after emergency rule

    FULL TEXT: Statewide broadcast of Rivers Gov Siminalayi Fubara on resumption after emergency rule

    My dear good people of Rivers State

    Recall that Rivers State was placed under a six-month emergency rule, declared by Mr. President, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the 18th of March, 2025, following the intense political crisis in our State.

    2. It is without doubt that the last six months had been enormously challenging for our dear State under the emergency rule.

    3. 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.

    4. 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.

    5. 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, CON, 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.

    6. 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.

    7. 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.

    8. 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.

    Read Also: We must work to make Rivers peace permanent-Fubara

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

    10. 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 necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness. We must all remember the saying… ” the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war”.

    11. 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.

    12. Despite the turbulence, you are aware of the credible milestones our administration achieved in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other key sectors over the last two years.

    13. Our immediate responsibility is to return to the path of governance and development by completing the projects which we started by ensuring none of them is starved of funds or neglected, thereby reviving our economy, protecting lives and property, and improving the wellbeing of all Rivers people.

    14. 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.

    15. I wish to sincerely thank you, the resilient people of Rivers State, for your patience, courage, and peaceful conduct during the six months of emergency rule.

    16. 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.

    17. 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. 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.

    18. Once again, I thank and appreciate our Father, Mr President, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his timely intervention and dedication to ensuring the restoration of peace and stability in our State.

    19. 1 also thank our Leader, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory for committing to the prompt resolution of the political impasse in the State. 

    20. I also wish to express my profound thanks to the President of the Senate His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, His Excellency Dr. Abbas Tajudeen; and the distinguished members of the National Assembly for the role they all played in the resolution of the matter.

    21. I thank the Honourable Speaker and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, respected elders, stakeholders and all concerned citizens for working together to resolve our differences and ensuring peace and harmony in our State.

    22. Finally, I call on all citizens of Rivers State, regardless of political, religious, or ethnic affiliation, to join hands in rebuilding our beloved State and securing a future of dignity and progress for everyone. In all, I give glory to the Almighty God.

    Thank you all.

    May God bless Rivers State and all its people.

    May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • We must work to make Rivers peace permanent-Fubara 

    We must work to make Rivers peace permanent-Fubara 

     Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called for commitment by all stakeholders to make the existing peace in the State permanent.

    “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,” Fubara said in a post-emergency broadcast. 

    The Governor in his address hailed the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in resolving the political crisis and restoring democratic governance fatherly and decisive.

    Fubara said: “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.

    Read Also: Fubara urges stakeholders to sustain peace in first post-emergency broadcast

    “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 last six months of emergency rule as challenging and recalled the political crisis led to the abortion of democracy in the state.

    Fubara further remembered the steps President Tinubu took to reconcile all the warring parties and said he resisted the pressure to challenge the emergency rule because of his conviction that no sacrifce was too great to secure peace.

    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”.

    Fubara assured persons expressing genuine fears, frustrations, and uncertainties over the nature of the peace process, that their concerns were valid and 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”.

    The governor said  despite the turbulence, his administration made credible milestones  in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other key sectors over the last two years.

    He noted that his government was faced with immediate responsibility to return to the path of governance and development by completing the projects it started and ensuring none of them was starved of funds or neglected. 

    On his 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”.

    The governor thanked  “the resilient people of Rivers for their patience, courage, and peaceful conduct during the six months of emergency rule.

    He  extended his 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 them through the challenging period.

    Fubara appealed to Rivers people to draw strength from their shared identity saying that their diversity remained their greatest asset, and their unity the strongest guarantee of their 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 thanked him  for committing to the prompt resolution of the political impasse in the state. 

    He  thanked the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen; and the distinguished members of the National Assembly for the role they all played in the resolution of the matter.

    Fubara hailed the Speaker and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, respected elders, stakeholders and all concerned citizens for working together to resolve their differences and ensuring peace and harmony in the state.

    He called on all citizens of Rivers regardless of political, religious, or ethnic affiliation, to join hands in rebuilding the £tate and securing a future of dignity and progress for everyone. 

  • Fubara urges stakeholders to sustain peace in first post-emergency broadcast

    Fubara urges stakeholders to sustain peace in first post-emergency broadcast

    …Governor gives reasons for not challenging emergency rule 

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in his first state broadcast after the lifting of emergency rule, has called on all stakeholders to work together to make the existing peace in the state permanent.

    “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,” Fubara said.

    He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “fatherly and decisive” intervention in resolving the political crisis and restoring democratic governance in the state.

    Fubara said, “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 last six months of emergency rule as challenging and recalled the political crisis led to the abortion of democracy in the state.

    Fubara further remembered the steps President Tinubu took to reconcile all the warring parties and said he resisted the pressure to challenge the emergency rule because of his conviction that no sacrifce was too great to secure peace.

    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.

    Read Also: Fubara waves supporters, departs airport for Government House

    “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”.

    Fubara assured persons expressing genuine fears, frustrations, and uncertainties over the nature of the peace process, that their concerns were valid and 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”.

    The governor said despite the turbulence, his administration made credible milestones in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other key sectors over the last two years.

    He noted that his government was faced with immediate responsibility to return to the path of governance and development by completing the projects it started and ensuring none of them was starved of funds or neglected. 

    On his 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”.

    The governor thanked “the resilient people of Rivers for their patience, courage, and peaceful conduct during the six months of emergency rule.

    He extended his 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 them through the challenging period.

    Fubara appealed to Rivers people to draw strength from their shared identity saying that their diversity remained their greatest asset, and their unity the strongest guarantee of their 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 thanked him for committing to the prompt resolution of the political impasse in the state. 

    He thanked the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen; and the distinguished members of the National Assembly for the role they all played in the resolution of the matter.

    Fubara hailed the Speaker and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, respected elders, stakeholders and all concerned citizens for working together to resolve their differences and ensuring peace and harmony in the state.

    He called on all citizens of Rivers regardless of political, religious, or ethnic affiliation, to join hands in rebuilding 5he state and securing a future of dignity and progress for everyone. 

  • BREAKING: Fubara to address Rivers by 6pm

    BREAKING: Fubara to address Rivers by 6pm

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has scheduled a state broadcast for 6 p.m. today following his return after the lifting of the emergency rule.

    Speaking shortly after arriving at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Fubara said he was overwhelmed by the warm reception from the people.

    He added that the broadcast would provide an opportunity to acknowledge stakeholders who played vital roles in restoring normalcy to the state.

    Read Also: Fubara waves supporters, departs airport for Government House

    Fubara said, “I am humbled by what I saw at the airport. I was also briefed about what happened here yesterday. That reception really humbled me. It shows love, confidence, and solidarity. It is not just a celebration.

    “The massive reception by the number of people who came out to celebrate is a reaffirmation of the bond between this government and the people that we are serving.

    “I want to assure you that we will continue to do those things that have made you people love us. I want to appreciate everyone and to say that we love you.

    “We are going to address the state officially by 6 pm, and in that broadcast, every authority that gave support to this normally will be properly recognized”.