Suspended governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all his actions and decisions have been guided by his constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
The embattled governor stated this in a press release to react to the declaration, on Tuesday, of a State of Emergency by President Bola Tinubu in the face of the lingering political crisis in the state.
The undated press release was posted on the Facebook page of a popular former Nollywood actress, #Ibinabo Fiberesima, at about 12 midnight.
Fubara stated that the 27 members of the state House of Assembly who are loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, were the ones who frustrated his efforts and thus made genuine peace and progress difficult.
“My dear Rivers People,
“I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history.
“Since assuming office as your governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
“We prioritised 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.
“This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.
“Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately we received the Certified True Copy of the judgment 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.
“Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.
“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 stated in the press release.
Fubara urged the people of the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding “at this critical time.”
He assured: “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 a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.”
“God bless Rivers State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Fubara added in the release.
