Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, says the state must now focus on reconciliation and development after six months of emergency rule.
Speaking on Friday in a statewide broadcast, Fubara said he resisted the pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the emergency rule, the suspension of the suspension of democratic institutions, and other measures.
President Bola Tinubu had declared emergency rule in the state on March 18 after a protracted political conflict between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).
The governor praised Tinubu for brokering peace among the key political actors in the state, including Wike and members of the house of assembly.
“We believe the political crisis is now behind us and that peace and stability have once again returned to Rivers, though not without the hard lessons learnt from the emergency rule,” Fubara said.
“To those who have expressed genuine fears, frustrations, and uncertainty over the nature of the peace process, I assure you that your concerns are valid and understood.
“However, nothing has been irretrievably lost; there remains ample opportunity for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness.”
The governor called on the state house of assembly, political leaders and stakeholders to put aside their differences and prioritise the interest of Rivers.
He also commended Tinubu for “his fatherly role and decisive interventions” in restoring democratic governance in Rivers.
“I will never take Mr President’s kindness for granted, and for that, I hereby reaffirm my utmost loyalty and eternal gratitude,” he added.
Fubara acknowledged fears among residents about the peace deal but insisted nothing has been permanently lost.
“The costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war,” he said.
The governor urged residents to see the present moment as a fresh start, adding that his administration would complete ongoing projects in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other sectors.
He pledged to work with the house of assembly to “recover lost ground” and accelerate development.
Fubara also thanked Rivers people for their patience during the six-month emergency, as well as religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups and political stakeholders for their support.
He extended appreciation to Wike, Godswill Akpabio, senate president, Abbas Tajudeen, speaker of the house of representatives, and members of the national assembly for their roles in resolving the crisis.
The governor urged Rivers citizens to put aside bitterness and division.
“Our diversity is our greatest asset, and our unity the strongest guarantee of our future,” he added.
