Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said he deliberately chose not to challenge the emergency rule declared in the state by President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, peace and stability were more important than political battles.
Return to office
The governor, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, returned to Port Harcourt on Friday after Tinubu lifted the six-month emergency. Their aircraft touched down at the international airport around noon to a rousing welcome.
Supporters thronged the airport in their numbers, singing and dancing as the governor’s convoy made its way to the Government House.
Assembly reconvenes
With the emergency now over, the Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened after months of inactivity. Lawmakers immediately demanded that the governor submit commissioner-nominees for screening.
The plenary, presided over by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, also requested the state’s Appropriation Bill. Members resolved to review how funds were managed during the period of emergency.
The Assembly further promised to set a legislative agenda for the remainder of its tenure, saying the document must reflect the current realities in Rivers politics.
Call for peace
In a broadcast, Fubara admitted the last six months were difficult but said his decision to comply with the President’s directive was a sacrifice worth making.
He praised Tinubu for brokering peace between himself, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and members of the Assembly. The governor urged residents to give the reconciliation process a chance.
Fubara pledged to focus fully on governance and service delivery, stressing that Rivers people remained his top priority.