Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has announced the official restoration of democratic governance in the state following the expiration of the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025.
In a statewide broadcast on Friday, Governor Fubara said the period of emergency was “enormously challenging” but yielded the desired outcome of peace, reconciliation, and stability in the state.
He disclosed that President Tinubu successfully brokered peace among all parties involved in the crisis, including the state government, former Governor and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
> “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,” Fubara declared.
While extending “heartfelt gratitude” to the President for his “fatherly disposition and decisive interventions,” the governor reaffirmed his loyalty to the presidency and expressed optimism that Rivers would now focus on development.
He assured residents that his administration would resume work on infrastructure, education, healthcare and other projects, promising that none would be abandoned. He also pledged to work harmoniously with the House of Assembly to “recover lost grounds” and accelerate economic growth.
The governor urged political leaders, stakeholders and citizens to “put aside our differences, work for the common good, and advance the interests of our people above all else.”
> “The costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war,” Fubara emphasized, describing the moment as “a fresh beginning” for Rivers people.
Fubara also thanked Wike, the National Assembly leadership, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society, women and youth groups for their roles in sustaining peace during the turbulent period.
Calling on all Rivers people to rise above bitterness and division, he stressed that unity and inclusiveness would remain the bedrock of governance in the state.
“Let us channel our energies into rebuilding trust, fostering inclusiveness, and securing a peaceful and prosperous State for all,” he concluded.
