Rivers Governor, Fubara Arrives Port Harcourt; vows unity with State Assembly, reassures supporters of inclusive leadership

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, arrived Port Harcourt Friday at the Port Harcourt International Airport at about 11:50 a.m., more than 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu ended the six-month emergency rule in the state.

He was greeted by a crowd of supporters who had earlier converged at the VIP wing of the Port Harcourt International Airport, awaiting his arrival.

Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the State House of Assembly to drive forward the state’s social and economic development, following a turbulent political period.

In a statewide address, Governor Fubara reflected on what he described as one of the most difficult times in Rivers State’s recent history.

He explained that his choice not to challenge the political resolution imposed during the crisis was rooted in a belief that maintaining peace was more important than any personal or political gain.

“No sacrifice is too much for the peace of Rivers State,” Fubara stated, acknowledging the critical role President Bola Tinubu played in brokering a settlement.

He described the President’s actions as a “fatherly intervention” that helped restore democratic order to the state.

The governor also recognized the efforts of several key figures in the peace process, including former Governor Nyesom Wike, the Senate President, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

He thanked them, along with the Speaker and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, for their part in stabilizing the political landscape.

While assuring his supporters that all is not lost, Governor Fubara emphasized that the focus must now shift to rebuilding.

“The hard-won peace we have today is still far better than the cheapest war,” he said, urging leaders to put aside personal agendas and work for the collective good of the state.

He highlighted his administration’s accomplishments prior to the crisis and promised to resume funding for key projects to ensure their completion.

Reaffirming his willingness to collaborate with the Assembly, Fubara also expressed gratitude to the people of Rivers State for their patience, resilience, and prayers during the political turmoil.

“Our mission now is to rebuild stronger, together,” the governor concluded.

While the House of Assembly resumed sitting on Thursday, Fubara did not show up at the Government House, despite the hundreds of supporters who had gathered to welcome him.

Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, had been away from the governance of the state for six months, after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, citing a political crisis.

Recall President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on Wednesday announced the cessation of the state of emergency in Rivers State, restoring democratic governance six months after suspending both the executive and legislative arms of the state.

In a national broadcast, the President recalled that the emergency, declared on 18 March 2025, became necessary due to a “total paralysis of governance” caused by a protracted conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly.

“Critical economic assets of the State, including oil pipelines, were being vandalised. The House of Assembly was crisis-ridden, divided into two factions. Four members worked with the Governor, while 27 opposed him,” Tinubu said.

“Even the Supreme Court held that there was no government in Rivers State.”

The President noted that efforts by his office and “other well-meaning Nigerians” to reconcile the factions failed, forcing him to invoke Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to impose emergency rule.

The proclamation, which suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and Speaker Martins Amaewhule alongside other lawmakers, was initially set for six months.

Tinubu expressed gratitude to the National Assembly for approving the measure, and to the people of Rivers for their support, despite over 40 legal challenges.

“That is the way it should be in a democratic setting,” he said, while stressing that the proclamation was a constitutional necessity to prevent “anarchy” and restore public safety.

He praised what he described as “a new spirit of understanding, robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm” among Rivers stakeholders, adding: “I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced.”

The President declared that the emergency “shall end with effect from midnight today,”(ie Wednesday 17, 2025) confirming that Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Assembly will return to their offices on 18 September 2025.

Issuing a broader reminder to other states, Tinubu said: “It is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy. I implore all of you to let this realisation drive your actions at all times.”