Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday, September 19, 2025, formerly resumed duty as the governor of Rivers State, declaring the end of the six-month emergency rule in the state.
In a statewide broadcast, where he pledged renewed unity, reconciliation, and commitment to governance, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as “a fatherly and decisive intervention” that restored full democratic governance after months of political turbulence.
Rivers State was placed under emergency rule on March 18, 2025, following an intense political crisis that saw the suspension of democratic institutions.
Fubara said the period was “enormously challenging,” but necessary sacrifices were made to ensure peace and stability.
“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Rivers State, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. President for his fatherly disposition and decisive interventions in resolving the political crisis and for graciously restoring full democratic governance to our State,” he stated.
The Governor revealed that the peace process was brokered by President Tinubu and involved all major stakeholders, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He added that all parties have agreed to “bury the hatchet and embrace reconciliation in the best interest of Rivers State.”
Fubara acknowledged the fears and concerns of citizens but urged residents to see the development as a fresh beginning, adding, “We must all remember the saying: the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war.”
Looking ahead, the governor assured that his administration would return focus to governance, with priority on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic revival.
He pledged to work harmoniously with the House of Assembly to accelerate development and recover lost ground.
He also thanked Rivers people for their patience, resilience, and peaceful conduct during the emergency period, as well as religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and other stakeholders for their support.
Fubara further extended appreciation to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, and members of the National Assembly for their role in the resolution of the crisis.
Concluding his broadcast, the governor called on all citizens, regardless of political or ethnic affiliation, to join hands in rebuilding the state.
“Our diversity is our greatest asset, and our unity the strongest guarantee of our future. We must rise above bitterness and division and channel our energies into rebuilding trust, fostering inclusiveness, and securing a peaceful and prosperous State for all,” Fubara said.
