Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday urged political leaders and citizens to embrace reconciliation, stressing that “the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war.”
In a statewide broadcast marking the official end of the six-month emergency rule imposed on Rivers State, Fubara reflected on the political turmoil that led to the suspension of democratic institutions in March 2025. He said the period was “enormously challenging” but necessary sacrifices were made to restore stability.
“I accepted to abide by the state of emergency declaration and chose to cooperate with Mr. President and the National Assembly, guided by my conviction that no sacrifice was too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State,” he stated.
The governor revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention was crucial in brokering peace among stakeholders, including former governor and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the State House of Assembly, and the government.
“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 said.
While acknowledging fears and skepticism over the peace process, he reassured citizens that inclusiveness and reconciliation remain top priorities. “Nothing has been irretrievably lost; there remains ample opportunity for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness,” he added.
The governor reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu for what he described as “fatherly disposition and decisive interventions” in resolving the crisis and restoring full democratic governance to the state.
Looking ahead, Fubara pledged to focus on governance, accelerate development projects, and work in harmony with the State House of Assembly to “recover lost grounds and advance the social and economic progress of Rivers State.”
He thanked the people of Rivers State for their patience and resilience throughout the six-month period, assuring them that his administration would continue to prioritize infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security.
“Let us embrace this moment as a fresh beginning. Let us work together with renewed hope and determination to build a stronger, more peaceful and prosperous Rivers State,” the governor concluded.
