Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed profound sadness following the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state, describing the move as a deeply distressing development.
Governor Fubara made his remarks today during an interview with AIT while reacting to the recent decision taken by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking with Muslim leaders who visited him on Monday at his private residence in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, Fubara said: “We, as humans, might feel a bit depressed because of the situation, because of what we’re seeing but we might not understand what is deeper that is beyond us that has happened.
“But in everything we have decided to give glory to God. So in this season of joy and love and sacrifice, I want you people to understand that I key into your period of festival. I also believe strongly we shall come out stronger. Our dream and vision for this state is a society that no man should be oppressed. It’s a very important venture in the course of this struggle. Please be patient, don’t allow anybody to push you into any form of provocation because what they want is to destroy this state.
“What they want is to create problem, to deny you that means of livelihood that you have here. We’ll not allow it. We’ll continue to operate in a peaceful manner, we’ll continue to respect constituted authority to ensure that this state remains the envy of every other state in Nigeria.”
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political tensions and security concerns as the reasons for the drastic action. Consequently, the declaration led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
To manage the state’s affairs during the emergency period, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Retired), a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the Sole Administrator. The appointment of Ibas marks a significant shift in the administration of Rivers State, as he takes charge amid the heightened political and security challenges.
