The suspended Governor of Rivers State Siminalayi Fubara has reacted to the emergency rule declaration by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State.
Fubara in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, urged the people of the Rivers to remain calm in the face of the political face-off.
News Band reported that President Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy and the state Assembly members on Tuesday and appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd), as the administrator for a period of six months.
Mr. Tinubu justified his decision on the lingering political crisis in the state which escalated on Tuesday with bombing of two oil pipelines by suspected militants.
But in his address on Wednesday, Fubara said since taking over the baton of leadership, all his actions and decisions have been guided by his constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
He said, “I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history. Since assuming office as your governor, we have prioritised the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear state.
“Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.
“This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned of their own volition.
“Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment immediately after we received the certified true copy of the judgment to return the state to normalcy,” he said.
Speaking further, Fubara said these steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity, and stability in the state.
“Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress challenging.
“Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
“Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure, and peaceful under our watch.
“At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive. We have always been resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process,” he noted