Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday, September 19, 2025, addressed the people of the state in a statewide broadcast, declaring the official end of the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025.
Governor Fubara described the period under emergency rule as “enormously challenging” but said it provided critical lessons that paved the way for peace and reconciliation.
He explained that he deliberately chose not to challenge the constitutionality of the state of emergency or the suspension of democratic institutions, stressing that his priority was safeguarding peace, stability, and progress for Rivers people.
“The political crisis is now behind us, and peace and stability have once again returned to Rivers State,” the governor said. “Our responsibility now rests squarely on us—the government, the State House of Assembly, political leaders, and stakeholders—to put aside our differences and work for the common good.”
Fubara commended President Tinubu for his “fatherly disposition and decisive interventions” in resolving the crisis and restoring full democratic governance to the state. He also reaffirmed his loyalty and “eternal gratitude” to the President.
The governor extended appreciation to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, the National Assembly, the Rivers State House of Assembly, religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, youths, and citizens whose roles and prayers sustained the state during the crisis.
While assuring Rivers people of continued inclusiveness in governance, Fubara pledged to work harmoniously with the State House of Assembly to “recover lost grounds” and accelerate development in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other sectors.
He urged citizens to see the resolution of the political impasse as a fresh beginning and to join hands in rebuilding a united, peaceful, and prosperous Rivers State.
“The costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war,” the governor noted. “Let us rise above bitterness and division and channel our energies into rebuilding trust and fostering inclusiveness.”
Fubara concluded the broadcast by giving thanks to God and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to serve with humility and dedication.
