Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara Expresses Gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for Emergency Intervention in Political Crisis
In a significant development amid the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara has publicly expressed his deep appreciation to Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his decisive intervention. The President’s introduction of emergency rules has been hailed by Fubara as a crucial step towards restoring stability and ensuring continuity in the governance of the oil-rich state.
Background to the Political Crisis in Rivers State
Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s most economically vital regions due to its oil and gas resources, has been embroiled in a political crisis marked by intense power struggles and administrative uncertainty. The crisis escalated to a point where Governor Fubara was suspended from office, leading to political instability that threatened both the state’s development and the welfare of its residents.
Against this tense backdrop, President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose emergency rules has played a pivotal role in averting further deterioration. The intervention has allowed both Governor Fubara and his deputy to continue performing their official duties, ensuring a degree of continuity in governance during these turbulent times.
Fubara’s Appreciation at the Simplified Movement Event in Port Harcourt
Governor Fubara made these remarks during a gathering on May 29, organized by his supporters under the “Simplified Movement” banner. The event took place at the group’s secretariat in Port Harcourt, the capital city of Rivers State, and provided a platform for the governor to communicate directly with his loyalists and the general public.
He described the President’s intervention as both timely and stabilizing, underscoring how the emergency rules helped prevent what could have been a worsening situation. Fubara urged his followers to join him in extending gratitude to President Tinubu, emphasizing the importance of the mediation at such a critical juncture.
“I want to assure you that the problem will be resolved. By the Special grace of God, we will come back to our various offices, not just in the executive arm but in the legislative arm,” the suspended governor declared confidently. “I believe that that relationship where we all work together, eating together, crack jokes together, will still come back.”
He further highlighted the significance of President Tinubu’s role in resolving the crisis:
“Mr President is the one that we should give every thank you to because without him, what else would have solved the problem? We protest, we protest at the end…but he came in at the right time and he salvaged a very worse situation…so let me thank him here for that intervention.”
The Role of Presidential Intervention in Resolving State-Level Political Crises
Fubara’s comments shed light on a critical aspect of Nigerian politics — the role the federal government, especially the presidency, can play in resolving state-level conflicts. When political crises escalate and threaten the functioning of state governments, intervention by the President often serves as the last resort to stabilize the situation. In this case, President Tinubu’s use of emergency powers has been portrayed as an effective mechanism to maintain peace and order in Rivers State.
This intervention also reflects the delicate balance between state autonomy and federal oversight in Nigeria’s political structure. While states have significant independence, the federal government retains constitutional authority to intervene when a crisis jeopardizes governance or public safety.
Fubara’s Appeal to Supporters: More Than Just Protests
Beyond expressing gratitude to the President, Governor Fubara took the opportunity to thank his supporters and all Nigerians who stood by him throughout the crisis. He acknowledged their loyalty, encouragement, and prayers, which sustained him during difficult times.
However, he also delivered an important message: protests alone cannot resolve complex political disputes. Fubara urged his followers to understand that meaningful resolution requires dialogue, patience, and cooperation among all stakeholders.
“The people that stood by me, the prayers, the loyalty, I want to thank you all very much. But you must understand that protests alone cannot resolve complex political disputes,” he said. This statement is a call for calm and rational engagement rather than confrontational approaches that may exacerbate tensions.
Seeking Forgiveness and Promoting Peace
In a display of humility and statesmanship, the suspended governor pleaded for forgiveness from anyone who might have been disappointed by how he handled the crisis. He emphasized that all his decisions were motivated by a sincere desire to protect the peace, progress, and stability of Rivers State.
Fubara said, “If at any point anyone was disappointed by my handling of the situation, I ask for forgiveness because my actions were guided by the desire to protect the peace and progress of this state.”
Significantly, Fubara expressed optimism about reconciliation, particularly with influential political figures in the state. He reassured his supporters about the prospects of lasting peace between him and his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
“There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my oga,” Fubara remarked confidently. This hopeful outlook signals a possible thawing of political tensions that have long divided the state’s leadership.
What This Means for Rivers State and Nigeria
The situation in Rivers State remains a critical test case for Nigeria’s democracy and political stability. The peaceful resolution of the crisis, aided by President Tinubu’s emergency measures and Fubara’s commitment to reconciliation, could serve as a model for managing conflicts in other parts of the country.
Moreover, the episode highlights the importance of federal leadership in crisis management and the need for politicians to prioritize dialogue and cooperation over confrontation.
Conclusion
Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s public recognition of President Bola Tinubu’s timely intervention underscores the importance of strong federal leadership in Nigeria’s complex political landscape. The introduction of emergency rules has helped stabilize Rivers State’s government during a period of uncertainty, enabling Fubara and his deputy to continue their duties despite suspension.
As the governor calls for peace, forgiveness, and a return to cooperative governance, the people of Rivers State and Nigeria at large watch closely, hopeful that this crisis will pave the way for lasting political stability and progress in the state.
