Despite the state of emergency, Fubara has reaffirmed his commitment to constitutional order, promising Rivers residents security and governance.
As he works with the appropriate institutions to maintain the strength of the country’s democracy, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of embattled Rivers State has urged the people of Rivers to continue living in peace and abiding by the law.
Joe Johnson, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, expressed regret for the regrettable event in the state’s political history in a statement that spanned 12 paragraphs.
“My constitutional oath of office and a strong sense of duty have driven every action and decision I’ve made since taking office as your governor. We put the safety of people and property first and made sure that our beloved state kept moving forward”.
“We have steadfastly upheld constitutional order and the rule of law, prioritizing the needs of our people over everything else, notwithstanding the political deadlock. For this reason, we acted quickly to fulfill the provisions that had been agreed upon in good faith, including the reinstatement of commissioners who had resigned on their own initiative, following Mr. President’s involvement to mediate a settlement.
In order to restore the state to normalcy, we also acted quickly to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling and as soon as we obtained a certified true copy of it. These actions were done to promote peace, unity, and stability in our beloved State, not for personal benefit.
“Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts at every turn, making genuine peace and progress difficult,” he explained. Our top priority continued to be protecting persons and property as well as promoting the prosperity and well-being of the Rivers people.
“Despite our political differences, good governance has persisted, salaries have been paid, and significant projects are being carried out to advance the state,” Fubara said. Above all, Rivers State is tranquil, safe, and secure while we are in charge.
“I implore all Rivers residents to maintain their composure and adherence to the law during this crucial period. In order to maintain the health of Rivers State and the strength of our democracy, we shall work with all pertinent institutions. We will handle this circumstance with discernment, endurance, and unflinching faith in the democratic process because we have always been a resilient people.
Additionally, the statement has been disputed by Senator Seriake Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State.
In a statement, the senator declared that he would never back a proclamation that would overthrow an elected governor. He added that the Ijaw nation seemed to be the target.
Dickson stated: “Like other Nigerians, I was surprised by the president’s address this evening regarding the political conflicts in Rivers State. I oppose declaring a state of emergency, particularly if it implies that the governor and his deputy will be out of office for six months. Even under the PDP president, I maintained my stance on issues like this: I don’t think that’s what the constitution intended. This is not the first time I have opposed emergency declarations in states that required their governors to resign.
“I have always believed that the elected government must be protected and does not have to be overthrown even when a state declares a state of emergency.”
The former governor claimed that he fought and protected his people throughout his adult life, even when leaders supported false information and propaganda out of jealousy and evil.
“I brought in a successor when I was retiring as governor because I recognized the anti-democratic and anti-Ijaw forces in our region and the nation, having fought and overcome them and understanding their capabilities, plans, and determination. He kept his desire to become governor a secret from me.
“Being a member of the Ijaw movement, I brought him in to lead and defend our people with our support.” During my eight-year term, I toiled and left my imprint in every area of our state while managing a recession for six of those years. After paying half salaries during a recession, we were able to raise and support endless numbers of men, women, and young people on less than N500 million per month.
“With the help of our friends and allies, we were still able to prevent the state from being overrun by the cruel federal forces in 2015, the general election in 2019, and the gubernatorial election in 2020, in which I supported every candidate.” Is this the state of the Ijaw nation that we all put so much effort into creating? For all Democrats, today is a depressing day. For Rivers State and its people, today is a depressing day. Please put on your thinking caps, everyone. We shall overcome this together, therefore I encourage our people to be positive.
