Politics

BREAKING: Difficult Decisions Must Be Made at This Point – Fubara Speaks on Rivers Crisis

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has declared that “difficult decisions must be made at this point” as he reflected on his turbulent administration, which marks two years today amid an ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.

In a message titled “Our Journey: Challenging but Progressive and Impactful!”, Fubara thanked the people of Rivers for their “trust, honour, and privilege” in electing him as the state’s seventh democratically elected governor.

The address was released Thursday morning through his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.

“Today marks exactly two years since I took the oath of office as your 7th democratically-elected Governor,” Fubara stated. “Despite the turbulence, I have remained steadfast and focused, guided by the oath I took and the solemn promise I made to always put Rivers State first.”

Recall that on March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. Citing constitutional breaches, prolonged instability, and security threats including pipeline vandalism, Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the entire elected membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

In their place, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed Sole Administrator to steer the affairs of the state for an initial six-month period.

The emergency declaration led to legal and political controversy. Many have strongly opposed the measure citing that it is unconstitutional and sets a dangerous precedent.

Amid the crisis, Fubara regularly sends messages to his people on important occasions.

“We are at a crucial point in our journey, where difficult decisions must be made,” Fubara said. “Be assured that every step we take will be guided by your best interests and the enduring good of Rivers State,” he said in his Thursday message.

He also called for reconciliation and unity among the people, urging an end to political divisions.

“To those still carrying the weight of our recent political struggles, I appeal to you, let us turn the page, come together, and focus on our shared goal of progress and unity. The time to rebuild and rise is now,” he said.

The full text of the statement reads:

OUR JOURNEY: CHALLENGING BUT PROGRESSIVE AND IMPACTFUL!

My dear good people of Rivers State,

Today marks exactly two years since I took the oath of office as your 7th democratically-elected Governor. On May 29, 2023, I was sworn in following the clear and overwhelming mandate you gave me during the March 18, 2023 elections. Once again, I thank you for the trust, honour, and privilege to lead our beloved State.

In the past two years, our political landscape has undergone significant changes. Despite the turbulence, I have remained steadfast and focused, guided by the oath I took and the solemn promise I made to always put Rivers State first. I pledged to protect and promote our collective interests and ensure you e n joy the real dividends of democracy and good governance. That commitment remains unshaken.

While we have faced daunting political challenges that have, at times, slowed our pace, these two years have not been without meaningful progress. I am proud of the visible milestones we have achieved, modest but significant strides in healthcare, education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, human capital development, and the inclusion of women in governance.

These achievements would not have been possible without your unwavering support and hope in the brighter future we all envision for Rivers State. For your sacrifices, contributions, and the roles you’ve played in your respective capacities, I say a heartfelt thank you.

As we look ahead, I reaffirm my pledge to consolidate on our gains and remain fully committed to the key priorities of this administration: peace, security, community welfare, and the socio-economic advancement of our State. Though our momentum may have been affected by political circumstances, our focus remains clear, and we are determined to emerge stronger, more united, and more result-oriented.

Your support has emboldened me to press on and not to retreat, but to work harder to foster peace, reconcil i ation, and forgiveness. These are essential to restoring normalcy and delivering transformational infrastructure, impactful programmes, and life-changing services across the State.

We are at a crucial point in our journey, where difficult decisions must be made. Be assured that every step we take will be guided by your best interests and the enduring good of Rivers State.

As we reflect on the lessons of the past two years, I am hopeful for what lies ahead. I look forward to working hand in hand with all of you to build a State we can all be proud of: a RIVERS STATE that stands as a model for the rest of Nigeria.

To those still carrying the weight of our recent political struggles, I appeal to you, let us turn the page, come together, and focus on our shared goal of progress and unity. The time to rebuild and rise is now.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve.


God bless Rivers State.

Signed: His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS

Governor Rivers State

Thursday, May 29, 2025

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