Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on his supporters, the people of Rivers State, and Nigerians at large to express deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his swift intervention in averting anarchy in the state caused by the prolonged political crisis.
Speaking in Port Harcourt on Thursday during a meeting with leaders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement as part of events marking his two years in office, Fubara emphasized that the peace and reconciliation process aimed at restoring executive and legislative stability was already in motion.
The governor, who was recently suspended amidst the turmoil, assured that democracy and good governance would soon be fully restored, with both arms of government collaborating for the people’s benefit.
“I want to assure you that the issues will soon be resolved, and you will come back to your offices—not just in the executive arm but also the legislative arm,” Fubara said, according to a statement by his media aide, Nelson Chukwudi.
He added, “I also believe that the strong relationships we had before will return, and we will begin to work together again for the good and progress of the state. What is important is for us to have a forgiving spirit.”
Governor Fubara urged Rivers people to recognize Tinubu’s decisive role in defusing the tension, saying, “We are already in the peace process. I want you to thank Mr President for his timely intervention to salvage the situation and stabilise the polity and the state. If not for Mr President, the story today would have been different.
“I don’t know how he gets his information, but the truth is that he acted with wisdom at the right time. He is the one you should thank. Let me also thank him personally, as well as the many others across the country who appealed to him to step in.”
Calling on all sides to “come down from our high horses,” Fubara stressed the importance of unity and peace for the progress of the state.
He noted that the current situation disrupted plans to showcase his administration’s achievements as part of his second anniversary but assured that the government would bounce back stronger and more focused on delivering the dividends of democracy.
While acknowledging the frustrations of some aggrieved individuals, the governor appealed for calm and forgiveness, emphasizing that his actions were guided by a commitment to protect the peace and interest of the state.
Fubara also revealed that reconciliation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, was underway.
There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my Oga,” he said, referring to Wike. “There will be peace. We are meeting. We will reconcile.”
He expressed deep appreciation to the people of Rivers State for their unwavering support, pledging to earn their respect through service and humility.
One important thing in this life is respect. I want to earn the respect of the people, not force it on them. I’m with you completely,” he declared.
