Dare Babalola
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called on the people of the state to put aside their differences and work towards the common good.
In a statewide broadcast on Friday, Fubara emphasised the need for unity and progress, stating that the state’s diversity is its greatest asset.
Fubara stated, “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.”
The governor who resumed office today after a six-month suspension that was lifted by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday hailed Tinubu’s intervention in the state’s political crisis.
Fubara credited Tinubu’s efforts for restoring peace and stability to the state, noting that his brokering of the peace process was successful, bringing together all parties involved.
He expressed gratitude to the President for his fatherly disposition and decisive interventions, which ultimately led to the resolution of the crisis.
He said, “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.”
The governor also thanked his predecessor and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike for his effort to return the state to sanity.
“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,” Fubara said.
He added, “I 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.”
The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to working with the Rivers State House of Assembly to accelerate the state’s social and economic development. He pledged to serve with humility and a high sense of duty, ensuring that the state continues to progress.
