Why I Refused To Challenge Emergency Rule – Gov Fubara Reveals

Why I Refused To Challenge Emergency Rule – Gov Fubara Reveals

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has revealed why he chose not to challenge the emergency rule declared in the state by President Bola Tinubu, despite pressure from his supporters.

According to him, the decision was driven by his commitment to safeguard peace, stability, and progress for Rivers people.

Fubara made this known on Friday in a statewide broadcast, shortly after returning to the state following the expiration of the emergency rule.

The governor, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, two days after President Tinubu lifted the emergency rule and ordered his reinstatement.

Their aircraft, with registration number 5N-BTX, landed at 12:15 pm to a rousing reception from supporters.

Recall that President Tinubu had, on Wednesday, ended the emergency rule, thereby terminating the six-month administration of ex-naval chief, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who served as sole administrator of the state.

In a statement on the cessation of the emergency rule on Wednesday, made available by the Presidency, the President said, “The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from September 18, 2025.

Reflecting on the development, Fubara admitted the period was “enormously challenging,” but stressed that he chose to comply with the declaration in the interest of peace.

“As your governor, I accepted to abide by the state of emergency declaration and chose to cooperate with Mr President and the National Assembly, guided by my conviction that the sacrifice was not too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State.

“This was why I also resisted the pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the declaration of the state of emergency, the suspension of democratic institutions and all other actions that we endured during the difficult period,” he said.

He also commended President Tinubu for mediating the political crisis, which reconciled him with Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“To those who have expressed genuine fear, frustration and uncertainty over the nature of the peace process, I assure you that your concerns are valid and understood.

“However, nothing has been irretrievably lost. There remain ample opportunities for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness,” Fubara assured.