Despite earlier pronouncements that he was not keen on returning to the Government House, the suspended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he will soon return to his duty post.
Speaking at a meeting with leaders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement in Port Harcourt on Thursday, as part of activities marking his two years in office, Fubara urged his supporters, Rivers people, and Nigerians to thank President Bola Tinubu for his swift intervention in preventing looming anarchy in the state due to the political crisis.
He announced that the peace and reconciliation process, which is crucial for restoring all Executive and Legislative institutions and offices, is already underway.
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Fubara assured that democracy and good governance will soon return to the state, with both arms of government working collaboratively for the benefit of the people.
“I want to assure you that the issues will soon be resolved, and you will come back to your offices, not just at the Executive arm, but also legislative arm. And I also believe that the strong relationships we had before will return, and we will begin to work together again, for the good and progress of the State. What is important is for us to have a forgiving spirit,” he stated.
Fubara implored his supporters and all Rivers people to show deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his decisive action in halting the degenerating political crisis, urging them to fully commit to the peace process to enable the state to move forward.
“We are already in the peace process. I want you to thank Mr President for his timely intervention to salvage the situation, and stabilise the polity and the State. If not for Mr President, the story today would have been different,” he said. “I don’t know how he gets his information, but the truth is that he acted with wisdom at the right time. He is the one you should thank. And let me also thank him personally for his intervention, and the personalities across the country, who moved in and appealed to him to intervene.”
He added, “We have to come down from our high horses and subject ourselves to the peace process. And that is what we are doing. What is important is for the State to move forward. It is not about you; the interest of the State is paramount.”
The suspended governor noted that but for the political crisis, the two-year anniversary celebrations would have been used to showcase key milestones achieved by his administration across various sectors.
He assured that the government would rebound stronger, more united, and better equipped to deliver quality dividends of democracy to the people.
Governor Fubara acknowledged that those expressing anger and grievances have every right to do so, but quickly emphasized that it is now time for all to embrace peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness for the state’s development and progress.
He sought forgiveness from anyone who may have felt disappointed by his handling of the crisis, stressing that his actions were guided by a desire to protect the peace and progress of Rivers State.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his fatherly steps to restore peace, stability, and good governance in the state. Fubara also assured of a swift reconciliation with the former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
He disclosed that since the President’s intervention, several reconciliatory meetings have been held, including some at the FCT minister’s residence.
“There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my Oga,” Fubara said, referring to Wike, adding, “There will be peace. We are meeting. We will reconcile.”
Fubara concluded by expressing his indebtedness to the people for their sacrifices and the opportunity to serve, promising to continue showing respect for the Rivers people who entrusted him with their mandate.
“One important thing in this life is respect. I want to earn the respect of the people, not force it on them…I’m with you completely,” he stated, thanking Rivers people and all Nigerians who supported him during the period of political turbulence, acknowledging their loyalty and prayers.
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