By Muhammad Mamman
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has explained why he chose not to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule and his suspension from office, saying he acted in the interest of peace and stability.
In a televised broadcast on Friday — his first since resuming duty after the six-month suspension — Fubara said he resisted pressure to contest the constitutionality of Tinubu’s actions.
“This was why I resisted the pressure to challenge the suspension of democratic institutions and other actions we endured during this difficult period,” he stated.
Tinubu imposed emergency rule on Rivers in March, following a prolonged political crisis between Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. The president lifted the measure on Wednesday, hours before it was due to expire, restoring Fubara, his deputy and state lawmakers to office.
Fubara acknowledged the challenges of the past six months but said peace had now returned to Rivers, crediting Tinubu for brokering reconciliation with Wike.
He urged residents to embrace the moment as a fresh start, pledging to prioritise reconciliation, governance and development. “Our immediate responsibility is to complete ongoing projects, revive the economy, protect lives and improve the well-being of Rivers people,” he said.
