I took steps to foster peace, stability in Rivers State, Fubara reacts to Tinubu’s suspension 

Fubara’s statement on Tuesday night follows the declaration of State of Emergency rule in Rivers by the president.

In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu revealed that his personal efforts to mediate the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State were ignored by the warring factions.

Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in the oil-rich state, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state house of assembly, including other elected officials.

“I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis,” Tinubu stated during the broadcast.

Tinubu also berated Fubara for demolishing the Rivers State House of Assembly on December 13, 2023, for “unjustifiable reasons” and for failing to rebuild it till now.

He also faulted the governor for not taking any action to curtail the recent vandalization of oil pipelines in the state by suspected vandals.

He also faulted the warring parties for not complying with the judgement of the Supreme Court which had ordered the representation of the state budget for passage by the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly.

Tinubu maintained that both the state and legislative arm of Rivers “do not realize that they are in office to work together for the peace and good governance of the state.”

Reacting to the development, Fubara stated that since assuming office as Governor, all his actions and decisions have been allegedly guided by his constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.

“We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State. 

“Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else,” he stated.

“Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy. 

“These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State,” he stated.

“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,” he maintained.

“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,” he maintained.

Analysts say that the crisis in Rivers State stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In response, Fubara pledged to comply with the court’s ruling and sought to address the political impasse by inviting lawmakers to a meeting.

Earlier on Tuesday, an explosion occurred at a section of the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Bodo community, Gokana Local Government Area. The Rivers State Police Command later confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the incident.