Rivers Crisis: “Why I Didn’t Challenge Emergency Rule,” Fubara Breaks Silence

• Governor Siminalayi Fubara has finally opened up on the six-month state of emergency rule in Rivers state
• The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor explained the reason he did not challenge his suspension in court
• Fubara stated this while addressing the people of Rivers state during a statewide broadcast on Friday, September 19, 2025

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues

Port Harcourt, Rivers state - Governor Siminalayi Fubara said he agreed to abide by the state of emergency declaration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State.

Fubara said his conviction was also his guide for cooperating with President Tinubu and the National Assembly.

The governor said the last six months had been enormously challenging for Rivers State under the emergency rule.

According to Fubara, he also resisted the pressure to challenge the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of democratic institutions during the period.

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He stated this during his statewide broadcast on Friday, September 19, 2025.

The statement, which was published via Fubara’s Facebook page, partially reads:

“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 no sacrifice was 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 a state of emergency, the suspension of democratic institutions, and all other actions that we endured during this difficult period.

“In the course of the six-month period, Mr. President graciously brokered the peace process with all the parties successfully. Our Leader, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and I, as your Governor, have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear Rivers State.”

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Just in: Crowd awaits return of Governor Fubara after Tinubu's action

Fubara concluded that he believes that peace and stability have once again returned to Rivers State after the political crisis that rocked the oil-rich state for months.

Fubara arrives in Port Harcourt, greets crowd

Legit.ng earlier reported that Fubara returned to Port Harcourt on Friday, ending a six-month absence following the federal declaration of emergency rule.

His arrival came shortly after President Tinubu lifted the emergency administration and reinstated civilian governance in the state.

Supporters gathered in large numbers at the Port Harcourt International Airport to welcome Fubara, whose political feud with predecessor Nyesom Wike had triggered months of instability.

Fubara speaks for first time after reinstatement

In a previous story, Legit.ng reported that Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to serving the people with integrity and purpose.

His return to Port Harcourt was met with a massive show of support, which he described as humbling and deeply meaningful.

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Wike speaks on Fubara's whereabout as Rivers returns to democratic rule

Fubara praised the reception as a reflection of the strong bond between his government and the residents of Rivers State.

Source: Legit.ng