The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminilayi Fubara, has broken his silence since President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency.
Fubara called for calm and insisted his actions were guided by the constitution.
The governor was also suspended by Tinubu for six months.
In a statement he personally signed, Fubara said: “I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history. Since assuming office as your governor, we have prioritised the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear state.
“Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.
“This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned of their own volition.
“Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment immediately after we received the certified true copy of the judgment to return the state to normalcy.”
He said these steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity, and stability in the state.
“Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress challenging.”
