After six turbulent months under emergency rule, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has returned to office, promising loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. In a statewide broadcast on Friday, September 19, the governor admitted the period had been “enormously challenging” but said he resisted calls to challenge the declaration in court for the sake of peace and stability.
Fubara praised President Tinubu for brokering reconciliation between him, Wike, and the Rivers State House of Assembly. He said all parties had agreed to bury the hatchet, stressing that the political crisis was now behind the state. “The costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war,” the governor told Rivers people, urging leaders and citizens to put aside differences and work for the common good.
The governor also expressed gratitude to the National Assembly leadership, elders, traditional rulers, civil society, and residents whose patience and prayers sustained the state. He assured that his administration would return to governance and development, completing ongoing projects in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security to revive the economy and improve lives.
On arrival at Port Harcourt International Airport, Fubara was greeted by a jubilant crowd of supporters who hailed him as “our peace ambassador.” Dressed in blue jeans with a black fez cap and dark shades, he acknowledged cheers before proceeding to Government House. Visibly moved by the warm reception, he described it as a show of “love, confidence, and solidarity.”
As he resumes, Fubara promised to govern with humility, the fear of God, and inclusiveness, pledging to work harmoniously with the State Assembly and stakeholders. He urged Rivers people to embrace unity, calling diversity the state’s greatest asset and unity its strongest guarantee for a peaceful and prosperous future.
