Embattled Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has urged Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while he engages with relevant institutions to ensure that the nation’s democracy remains strong.
In a 12-paragraph statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joe Johnson, he regretted the unfortunate moment in the state’s political history.
“Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty. We prioritised the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear 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.
“Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement and immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy. These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.”
He explained that, “At every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult. Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.”
According to Fubara, “We have political disagreements, but good governance has continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects are being executed to move the state forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.
“At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive. We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.”
Also, a former governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, has rejected the declaration.
The senator in a statement said he never would support a declaration that would remove an elected governor. He also said it appeared the Ijaw nation was targeted.
Dickson said: “This evening, like all Nigerians, I was taken aback by the broadcast from the president over the political disputes in Rivers State. I do not support the declaration of a state of emergency, especially when that is taken to mean that the Governor and his deputy will vacate their seats for six months.
“I don’t believe that is the intent of the constitution, and that has been my position on matters like this even when we had a PDP President. I have always opposed declarations of emergency in states that meant that their governors would vacate their offices, and this is no exception.
“I have always had the view that even with the declaration of a state of emergency in a state, the elected government must be protected and need not be removed.”
The ex-governor said he spent all his adult life fighting and defending his people, even when leaders, out of envy and wickedness, sponsored propaganda and misinformation.
“When I was leaving as governor, and because I knew the anti-democratic and anti-Ijaw forces in our region and in the country, having fought and defeated them, knowing their strengths, strategies and their determination, I brought in a successor. He did not tell me he wanted to be a governor.
“I brought him in to lead and protect our people with our support, because he was part of the Ijaw movement.
“While managing a recession for six years during my 8-year tenure, I worked and made a mark in all sectors of our State. We raised and maintained countless numbers of people men, women and youths, with less than N500 million monthly after paying half salaries in a recession.
“We still stopped the brutal federal forces from taking over the state in 2015, 2019 general election, and 2020 governorship election where I sponsored all candidates with the support of our friends and allies.
“Is this what has become of the Ijaw nation that we all staked everything to build? It is a sad day for all democrats. It’s a sad day for Rivers State, and a sad day for our people. I urge everyone to put on their thinking caps. I urge our people to lift up their spirits as we will get over this together.”
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Alex Enumah, Sunday Aborisade, Hammed Shittu, Segun James, Peter Uzoho, and Blessing Ibunge
