NIGERIA: Suspended Rivers Governor Fubara Calls For Calm, Reaffirms Commitment To Democracy

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Following his suspension by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday, amid prolonged political turmoil in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has urged residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

In a statement released through the Chief Press Secretary’s Facebook page on Wednesday, Fubara reaffirmed his dedication to upholding constitutional order and ensuring the well-being of Rivers people despite the political crisis.

“Since assuming office, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath and a great sense of duty. Even in the face of this political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else,” the statement read.

The crisis in Rivers State has been marked by a power struggle between the governor and members of the State House of Assembly, leading to multiple interventions, including a peace deal brokered by President Tinubu.

According to Fubara, his administration made good-faith efforts to implement the agreed terms, such as reinstating commissioners who had previously resigned and complying with a Supreme Court judgment aimed at restoring normalcy.

Despite these efforts, the governor accused the state assembly members of frustrating peace initiatives. “At every turn, they made genuine peace and progress difficult,” he lamented.

However, he assured the people that governance had continued uninterrupted, with salaries being paid and projects advancing.

Fubara called on Rivers residents to stay resilient and patient while his team engages with relevant institutions to uphold democracy and stability in the state.

“We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process,” he concluded.