Fubara Returns to Office, Pledges Loyalty to Tinubu and Wike After Emergency Rule

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has resumed duties following the lifting of the six-month emergency rule in the state, reaffirming his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

In a statewide broadcast on Friday, September 19—just a day after the emergency was lifted—Fubara described the period as “enormously challenging” but said he chose not to legally contest the constitutionality of the declaration in the interest of peace.

“As your Governor, 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 said.

The governor credited President Tinubu’s intervention and Wike’s support for restoring peace and reconciliation. He noted: “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 in the best interest of Rivers State.”

Fubara expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, saying: “Personally, I will never take Mr. President’s kindness for granted, and for that, I hereby reaffirm my utmost loyalty and eternal gratitude.”

He further acknowledged the fears and frustrations of citizens during the emergency, but assured them: “Nothing has been irretrievably lost; there remains ample opportunity for continued reconciliation and inclusiveness. The costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war.”

Highlighting his administration’s achievements despite the turbulence, the governor pledged to return to governance with renewed focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic revival, and welfare of the people. “I commit to working harmoniously with the Rivers State House of Assembly to recover lost grounds and accelerate the social and economic advancement of our dear State,” he added.

Fubara thanked stakeholders, traditional rulers, civil society, and citizens whose support sustained him during the crisis. He also appreciated Wike for his role in resolving the impasse, and acknowledged Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and members of the National Assembly for their contributions.

The governor urged Rivers people to embrace unity: “Our diversity is our greatest asset, and our unity the strongest guarantee of our future. We must rise above bitterness and division to secure a peaceful and prosperous State for all.”

Triumphant Return

Governor Fubara arrived at Port Harcourt International Airport at 12:19 p.m. on Friday aboard a private jet from Abuja. He was welcomed by his wife, Valerie, his Chief of Staff, Dr. Edison Ehie, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nam Odu, political leaders, and a jubilant crowd who sang, danced, and hailed him as a “man of peace.”

Visibly humbled, Fubara told supporters: “That reception really humbled me. It showed love, confidence, and solidarity.” He later proceeded to Government House for a statewide broadcast.