Governor Siminalayi Fubara has said his decision not to contest the presidential declaration of emergency in Rivers State was predicated on his conviction that no sacrifice was too great for peace in Rivers State.
But he said he accepted President Bola Tinubu’s intervention during the emergency rule with “hard lessons learnt.
Fubara said this in a statewide broadcast hours after returning to the state on Friday, September 19, 2025.
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The governor, who pledged to work harmoniously with the Rivers State House of Assembly to recover lost grounds and accelerate the advancement of social and economic development of the state, described the period of emergency as one of the most challenging moments for the state.
“The President graciously brokered peace during this period, and we all accepted it, though not without the hard lessons learnt, during the emergency rule,” he said.
He added that the responsibility now lies with leaders to put aside personal interests and pursue the common good.
Governor Fubara expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a “fatherly intervention” that restored full democratic governance to Rivers State.
He also acknowledged the role of his political leader, former Governor Nyesom Wike, alongside the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and other stakeholders in sustaining peace.
The governor extended his gratitude to the Speaker and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for their cooperation.
He, however, noted the concerns of his supporters and assured them that “not everything is irretrievably lost” and that opportunities remain ahead.
He stated that “the costly peace is cheaper than the cheapest war,” stressing the need to build a more prosperous Rivers State.
He recalled his administration’s achievements before the emergency rule and promised to resume funding ongoing projects to ensure their completion.
He further reiterated his commitment to working with the House of Assembly in the interest of the state, while thanking the people of Rivers State for their resilience, peaceful conduct, and prayers.
Earlier, on his return to Government House, Fubara vowed not to take Tinubu’s kindness for granted, declaring that normalcy had returned to the state.
He also expressed deep appreciation to his supporters for standing by him during his six-month suspension.
The governor made the remarks while addressing his followers at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, shortly after returning from the suspension imposed by President Tinubu.
Upon his arrival, Fubara was welcomed by a large crowd of jubilant supporters who gathered to celebrate his return.
He thanked them and the people of Rivers State for their unwavering support and show of solidarity during the period of his suspension.
“I appreciate everyone who gave support to bring normalcy back to Rivers State. I know everybody wants to hear something from me. In fact, I expected it when I landed,” Fubara said.
He further assured his constituents of his continued commitment to the state, adding, “We will, by the grace of God, continue to give those things that made you people love us. I won’t take President Tinubu’s kindness for granted.”
