Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, has expressed condolences to the people of the state for “the regrettable anxieties of the last few days” that have been experienced by them.
“To embrace the path to lasting peace and tranquilly with a commitment to consummating all efforts and initiatives by Mr. President and other well-meaning Nigerians, including my brother Governors and the Elders,” the governor reiterated in a statement released late on Friday.
Speaking on the political unrest that swept over Rivers starting on Sunday, October 30, 2023, he clarified that the purpose of his Monday morning visit to the Rivers State House of Assembly was to assess the degree of damage caused by a fire that broke out on Sunday night and consumed the complex.
“I consider it necessary to issue this press statement on the developments of the past few days in our dear state,” the governor stated in the statement.
“I was overwhelmed by reports late on Sunday night, October 29, 2023, that the sacred chamber of the Rivers State House of Assembly had been completely destroyed by fire. Security agencies took charge of the situation after the fire department effectively extinguished the fire.
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“On Monday, October 30, 2023, I visited the Assembly complex to evaluate the extent of the damage and implement corrective actions to save people’s lives and property. I gave the security agencies instructions to look into the situation in great detail and report back to me.
“I learned soon after that the state house of assembly had split into two factions: one faction claimed to have impeached and suspended the house leader and three other members in preparation for filing an impeachment lawsuit against me, while the other faction impeached the speaker and deputy speaker, igniting a political crisis of some kind.
“I express my gratitude to His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his fatherly intervention that facilitated the timely resolution of the festering crises by opening up a number of communication channels.” Thank you also to our Elders who are currently weighing in on the situation.
“Let me be quite clear: my efforts are intended to bring peace and stability back to our state. As a man of peace, my top priority as governor is to see our state’s progress made. So, in order for me to accomplish this goal, no sacrifice is too great.
Furthermore, it is the joint duty of the Federal Capital Territory’s immediate past governor and minister, His Excellency, Chief Barrister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, GSSRS, Life Bencher, and me, to use our positions and connections both inside and outside the state to further the development, safety, and well-being of our people.
Therefore, we must not permit conditions to exist that might hinder our people’s attempts to achieve greatness.
“For my part, I am always prepared and eager to follow the path that leads to enduring peace and tranquilly, and I pledge to see through all of the initiatives and efforts put forth by Mr. President and other well-meaning Nigerians, such as my brother Governors and the Elders.
“I pledge to the good people and young people of Rivers State that peace will undoubtedly prevail and that we will keep cooperating to enhance our state’s security, development, and peace.
“As Governor, let me express my heartfelt regret to the good people of Rivers State for the unfortunate worries you have experienced over the past few days. I also want to thank you all for your continued love, support, and prayers.”
