Why I Refused to Challenge Emergency Rule – Fubara

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has explained why he declined calls from his supporters to challenge the state of emergency declared in Rivers by President Bola Tinubu.

Fubara, in a statewide broadcast on Friday after his return to office, said his decision was motivated by a desire to protect the peace, stability, and progress of the state.

The governor, alongside 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 reinstated him. Their aircraft, with registration number 5N-BTX, landed at 12:15 p.m. and was greeted with a heroic welcome from jubilant supporters.

Among those who received the governor were prominent political figures, including former Commissioner for Information, Emma Okah; former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh; ex-Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Orji Ngofa; former Environment Commissioner, Sydney Gbara; and ex-factional Speaker of the House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo.

Also present were former Commissioner for Youths, Chisom Gbali; former Commissioner for Physical Planning, Evans Bipi; ex-NUPENG President, Igwe Achese; former Education Commissioner, Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja; and former Port Harcourt City Council Chairman, Ezebunwo Ichemati, among others.

President Tinubu had declared a six-month emergency rule in Rivers, during which Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) served as the state’s sole administrator. The president formally announced an end to the measure on Wednesday, paving the way for Fubara’s reinstatement.