Politics
"Nothing has been irretrievably lost", Fubara tells Rivers people in Post-emergency broadcast
Written By: Udo Inobeme
19 Sep 2025 07:41 PM
Port Harcourt, Rivers – In a significant development marking the end of a six-month state of emergency, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara delivered a statewide broadcast from the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday evening.
The broadcast, aired at 6:00 PM WAT, comes hours after the governor’s triumphant return to the state, greeted by thunderous cheers from hundreds of supporters at Port Harcourt International Airport.
The emergency rule, imposed on March 18, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following a severe political crisis involving the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, was lifted earlier this week.
During the crisis, retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas served as the sole administrator, sidelining Governor Fubara and suspending democratic institutions in the oil-rich state.
In his address, Governor Fubara reflected on the challenging period, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the people of Rivers State.
“The last six months have been enormously challenging for our dear state under the emergency rule,” he stated.
The governor emphasized his decision to cooperate with the federal government and resist legal challenges to the emergency declaration, prioritizing peace and stability.
The governor credited President Tinubu for brokering a successful peace process, which saw all parties, including his predecessor Nyesom Wike and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, agree to bury the hatchet.
“We believe the political crisis is now behind us, and peace and stability have once again returned to Rivers State,” Fubara declared, expressing personal gratitude and reaffirming his “utmost loyalty and eternal gratitude” to the president.
Looking ahead, Governor Fubara urged the government, legislature, and stakeholders to work collaboratively for the common good. He highlighted the administration’s previous achievements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare over the past two years and pledged to resume development projects that were stalled during the crisis.
“Our immediate responsibility is to return to the path of governance and development, ensuring none of our projects is starved of funds or neglected,” he said, promising to revive the state’s economy and improve the wellbeing of its citizens.
The governor also committed to working harmoniously with the Rivers State House of Assembly to accelerate social and economic advancement, emphasizing inclusiveness and reconciliation.
He addressed concerns from citizens about the peace process, assuring them that “nothing has been irretrievably lost” and that opportunities remain for adjustments and unity.
Governor Fubara extended heartfelt thanks to President Tinubu, the National Assembly, Nyesom Wike, and various stakeholders, including religious leaders, traditional rulers, and the resilient people of Rivers State, for their support during the turbulent period.
He called on all citizens to rise above political, religious, and ethnic divisions, drawing strength from the state’s diversity as its greatest asset.
As Rivers State embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on Governor Fubara to deliver on his promises and maintain the peace brokered by the federal government.
The broadcast, aired at 6:00 PM WAT, comes hours after the governor’s triumphant return to the state, greeted by thunderous cheers from hundreds of supporters at Port Harcourt International Airport.
The emergency rule, imposed on March 18, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following a severe political crisis involving the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, was lifted earlier this week.
During the crisis, retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas served as the sole administrator, sidelining Governor Fubara and suspending democratic institutions in the oil-rich state.
In his address, Governor Fubara reflected on the challenging period, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the people of Rivers State.
“The last six months have been enormously challenging for our dear state under the emergency rule,” he stated.
The governor emphasized his decision to cooperate with the federal government and resist legal challenges to the emergency declaration, prioritizing peace and stability.
The governor credited President Tinubu for brokering a successful peace process, which saw all parties, including his predecessor Nyesom Wike and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, agree to bury the hatchet.
“We believe the political crisis is now behind us, and peace and stability have once again returned to Rivers State,” Fubara declared, expressing personal gratitude and reaffirming his “utmost loyalty and eternal gratitude” to the president.
Looking ahead, Governor Fubara urged the government, legislature, and stakeholders to work collaboratively for the common good. He highlighted the administration’s previous achievements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare over the past two years and pledged to resume development projects that were stalled during the crisis.
“Our immediate responsibility is to return to the path of governance and development, ensuring none of our projects is starved of funds or neglected,” he said, promising to revive the state’s economy and improve the wellbeing of its citizens.
The governor also committed to working harmoniously with the Rivers State House of Assembly to accelerate social and economic advancement, emphasizing inclusiveness and reconciliation.
He addressed concerns from citizens about the peace process, assuring them that “nothing has been irretrievably lost” and that opportunities remain for adjustments and unity.
Governor Fubara extended heartfelt thanks to President Tinubu, the National Assembly, Nyesom Wike, and various stakeholders, including religious leaders, traditional rulers, and the resilient people of Rivers State, for their support during the turbulent period.
He called on all citizens to rise above political, religious, and ethnic divisions, drawing strength from the state’s diversity as its greatest asset.
As Rivers State embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on Governor Fubara to deliver on his promises and maintain the peace brokered by the federal government.
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