Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has commended President Bola Tinubu for intervening in the political crisis and declaration of emergency rule in the state.
Speaking during a meeting with members of the Simplified Movement on Thursday, May 29th to celebrate his two years in office Fubara said the swift intervention of the president salvaged the state from anarchy.
While confirming the ongoing reconciliation between the warring parties, Fubara assured that democracy and good governance would soon return to the state, with both arms working together for the betterment of Rivers people.
In March, Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in the state following the escalation of political crisis between Fubara and his erstwhile political godfather Nyesom Wike.
The president had suspended the Governor, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly.
The governor’s comments were contained in a statement issued by his media aide, Nelson Chukwudi.
The statement reads in part: “I want to assure you that the issues will soon be resolved, and you will come back to your offices; not just at the executive arm, but also the legislative arm.
“And I also believe that the strong relationships we had before will return, and we will begin to work together again for the good and progress of the State. What is important is for us to have a forgiving spirit.”
While urging his supporters and the entire Rivers people to show unreserved appreciation to Mr President for his bold action to halt the degenerating political crisis in the state, he appealed to them to totally subject themselves to the peace process to enable the state to move forward.
“We are already in the peace process. I want you to thank Mr President for his timely intervention to salvage the situation and stabilise the polity and the state. If not for Mr. President, the story today would have been different.
“I don’t know how he gets his information, but the truth is that he acted with wisdom at the right time. He is the one you should thank. And let me also thank him personally for his intervention, as well as the personalities across the country who moved in and appealed to him to intervene.
“We have to come down from our high horses and subject ourselves to the peace process. And that is what we are doing. What is important is for the state to move forward. It is not about you. The interest of the State is paramount,” the statement further disclosed.
The suspended governor said if not for the current situation, the second-year celebrations would have been used to showcase some of the key milestones recorded by his administration.
Fubara also acknowledged the rights of those expressing anger and grievances over his position but counselled that the time has come for all to embrace peace and pursue reconciliation.
The governor disclosed that since the president’s intervention, several reconciliatory meetings had been held, including some at the FCT minister’s residence.
He said: “There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my Oga”, in reference to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and his predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike, adding, “There will be peace. We are meeting. We will reconcile.”
While acknowledging that he was indebted to the people for their sacrifices and opportunity to serve, the governor promised to continue to show respect for the people of the state, who entrusted him with the mandate.
“One important thing in this life is respect. I want to earn the respect of the people, not force it on them…I’m with you completely,” he said, and thanked Rivers people and all Nigerians who stood by him during the period of political turbulence, acknowledging their loyalty and prayers.
