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Embattled Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, has vowed to engage all relevant institutions in ensuring that democracy remains strong in the state.
Fubara gave the assurance after President Bola Tinubu suspended him for six months and declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Tinubu had taken the decision as part of efforts to restore sanity to Rivers State following the crisis between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.
He also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s administrator to oversee governance.
In a nationwide address on Tuesday, the President also suspended the Rivers State deputy governor and members of the state House of Assembly.
However, Fubara, in a statement he personally signed said: “Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
“Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were 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 resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.”
President Bola Tinubu has officially declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, as the lingering political turmoil continues to threaten governance and stability in the region. The decision comes after weeks of failed interventions and mounting tension among political factions.
President Bola Tinubu went on national airwaves Tuesday, March 18, 2025, announcing a six-month suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the full House of Assembly—a major shake-up aimed at tackling the state’s spiraling unrest.
To keep things running, Tinubu tapped Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, a retired naval officer, to step in as administrator for the next six months, handing him the task of steadying the ship in Rivers during this turbulent stretch.
