Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged the people of the state to remain calm in the face of the political impasse currently affecting the region.
In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, Fubara stated that since assuming office, all his actions and decisions have been guided by his constitutional oath and a strong sense of duty.
“I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history. Since assuming office as your governor, we have prioritised the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our beloved state.
“Even in the face of this political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interests of our people above all else.
“This is why, immediately following Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned voluntarily.
“Furthermore, we acted swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling as soon as we received the certified true copy of the judgment in order to restore normalcy to the state,” he said.
According to him, these steps were taken not for personal gain but to foster peace, unity, and stability within the state.
“Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have frustrated our efforts, making genuine peace and progress challenging.
“Our priorities have remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of the people of Rivers.
“Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance has continued, salaries have been paid, and significant projects have been executed to propel the state forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure, and peaceful under our leadership.
“At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive. We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process,” he concluded.
On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich South-South state.
He also imposed a six-month suspension on Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the state lawmakers.
In a nationwide broadcast, Tinubu explained that his decision was made to restore stability to the state, which has been plagued by political turmoil due to the disagreement between the governor and the state lawmakers.
“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” the President stated.
The President has appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s administrator to oversee governance.
A few hours after the declaration, soldiers took over the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt.
An insider said the governor was still in his official residence in the Government House when the troops swarmed over the premises around 9 pm.
The source stated, “Well, as I speak to you now, there are soldiers inside Government House but the governor is in his residence.”
Also, an Armoured Personnel Carrier was stationed at the entrance of the seat of power in the state overlooking the road.
