Embattled Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called on his supporters, Rivers residents, and Nigerians to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his timely intervention that helped prevent the state from sliding into chaos amid its ongoing political crisis.
Speaking on Thursday at a meeting with leaders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement, held to mark his two years in office, Fubara revealed that a peace and reconciliation process aimed at restoring all executive and legislative institutions in the state is already underway.
He assured that democracy and good governance would soon return to Rivers State, with the executive and legislative arms working together for the benefit of the people.
“I want to assure you that the issues will soon be resolved, and you will come back to your offices; not just at the Executive arm, but also the Legislative arm. I also believe that the strong relationships we had before will return, and we will begin to work together again for the good and progress of the State. What is important is for us to have a forgiving spirit,” Fubara said.
The suspended governor urged Rivers people to fully embrace the peace process and show unreserved appreciation to President Tinubu for his decisive action in stabilizing the state’s fragile political environment.
“We are already in the peace process. I want you to thank Mr President for his timely intervention to salvage the situation and stabilize the polity and the State. If not for Mr President, the story today would have been different,” he added.
Fubara praised the President’s wisdom and quick response, also acknowledging other national figures who appealed to Tinubu to intervene.
“I don’t know how he gets his information, but the truth is he acted with wisdom at the right time. He is the one you should thank. And let me also thank him personally for his intervention, and the personalities across the country who moved in and appealed to him to intervene.”
He called on all stakeholders to set aside personal interests for the greater good of Rivers State.
“We have to come down from our high horses and subject ourselves to the peace process. That is what we are doing. What is important is for the State to move forward. It is not about you; the interest of the State is paramount,” he stressed.
He lamented that due to the ongoing political crisis, planned celebrations marking his two-year milestone in office were overshadowed, denying the administration the chance to showcase achievements across various sectors.
Nonetheless, he assured that the government would return stronger and more united, delivering quality dividends of democracy.
Addressing those who have expressed anger or grievances, Fubara acknowledged their rights but urged everyone to embrace peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness for the state’s progress.
He also sought forgiveness from anyone who felt disappointed in his handling of the crisis, emphasizing that his actions were meant to protect the peace and development of the State.
Fubara expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for efforts in restoring peace and good governance, and revealed that reconciliation talks with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, were ongoing and hopeful.
“There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my Oga,” he said, referring to Wike. “There will be peace. We are meeting. We will reconcile.”
Finally, the suspended governor thanked the people of Rivers State and Nigerians who supported him during the political turmoil, pledging to continue respecting the trust they placed in him.
“One important thing in this life is respect. I want to earn the respect of the people, not force it on them…I’m with you completely,” he said, and thanked Rivers people and all Nigerians who stood by him during the period of political turbulence, acknowledging their loyalty and prayers.”
