Embattled Rivers State Governor Siminilayi Fubara has pushed back against President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state, insisting that Rivers remains safe, secure, and peaceful under his leadership.
In an address to the people of Rivers State on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Fubara responded to Tinubu’s emergency rule proclamation, which was made amid escalating political tensions and security challenges in the state.
The governor, however, urged the people to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the face of the state of emergency rule declared in the state.
According to him, his administration had been guided by ‘’his constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty’’ since his assumption of office.
Fubara said he had prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of the state.
“Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.
“This was why, immediately after Mr President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition,” he said.
“We moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately he received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.”
These steps, he noted, were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear state.
“Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.”
He restated that the priorities of his administration remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
Fubara noted that though there was political disagreements in the state, good governance had continued, salaries were being paid, and great projects executed to move the state forward.
“In all, the state is safe, secured and peaceful under his watch,” he insisted, adding that Rivers people had always been resilient people, and would continue to face the situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.
“We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and the Rivers State continues to thrive.”
Persecondnews reported that Tinubu had in a national broadcast on Tuesday evening, declared a state of emergency following the lingering political crisis in the state, citing Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
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