Fubara Hails End of Emergency Rule in Rivers, Pledges Renewed Development Drive

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared the official end of the six-month emergency rule imposed on the state, pledging to restore full democratic governance and accelerate development across all sectors, In a statewide broadcast on Friday.

Fubara recalled that the state of emergency was declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025, at the peak of the state’s political crisis. He said although the period was “enormously challenging,” it ultimately paved the way for reconciliation and peace.

“As your Governor, I accepted to abide by the 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,” Fubara stated.

He explained that through President Tinubu’s intervention, himself, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly had agreed to “bury the hatchet” and embrace peace in the interest of the state.

The governor expressed gratitude to the President for “his fatherly disposition and decisive interventions” that restored full democratic governance, while also reaffirming his “utmost loyalty and eternal gratitude” to the nation’s leader.

Addressing citizens’ concerns over the peace process, Fubara assured that “nothing has been irretrievably lost” and urged residents to see the reconciliation as a fresh beginning.

“The costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war,” he said, calling on political leaders, stakeholders, and citizens to work together for the common good.

Fubara also highlighted his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, despite the turbulence, and vowed to complete all ongoing projects to revive the state’s economy.

He further commended the resilience of Rivers people during the emergency rule, thanking religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, political actors, women, and youths for their patience and support.

The governor also acknowledged the contributions of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, and members of the National Assembly in resolving the political crisis.

“Our diversity is our greatest asset, and our unity the strongest guarantee of our future. We must rise above bitterness and division and channel our energies into rebuilding trust, fostering inclusiveness, and securing a peaceful and prosperous State for all.”