Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has urged political leaders and citizens to put aside their differences and embrace peace as the state returns to democratic governance following six months of emergency rule.
In a statewide broadcast on Friday, Fubara acknowledged that the period under emergency rule had been “enormously challenging,” but said it offered lessons that must guide Rivers State toward stability and development.
“Let us work together with renewed hope and determination to build a stronger, more peaceful and prosperous Rivers State,” he said.
“The costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war.”
The governor praised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as “fatherly disposition and decisive interventions” that resolved the state’s political crisis and restored full democratic governance.
He also thanked Federal Capital Territory Minister and former governor Nyesom Wike, members of the National Assembly, and the Rivers State House of Assembly for their roles in brokering reconciliation.
“Our leader, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and I, as your Governor, have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation,” Fubara said.
Promise of Inclusive Governance
The governor reassured citizens who remain skeptical of the peace process that their concerns would be addressed, pledging inclusiveness and reconciliation in state governance.
He committed to working closely with the Rivers State House of Assembly to “recover lost grounds” and accelerate development, highlighting achievements already made in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
“Our immediate responsibility is to return to the path of governance and development by completing the projects we started, reviving our economy, protecting lives and property, and improving the well-being of all Rivers people,” Fubara said.
Fubara thanked Rivers residents for their patience and resilience during the suspension of democratic institutions and appealed for collective effort in rebuilding trust and unity.
