Today, May 29, 2025, marks what would have been the second anniversary of Siminalayi Fubara’s tenure as the 7th democraticaly elected Governor of Rivers State.
In a Thursday address titled “Our Journey: Challenging but Progressive and Impactful!”, Fubara expressed gratitude to the people of Rivers for their trust and unwavering support, emphasizing his administration’s focus on delivering democratic dividends and advancing the collective welfare of the State.
The address, issued as a statement, was shared with PUNCH Online early Thursday morning and disseminated to journalists by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.
However, the trajectory of his administration was abruptly altered on March 18, 2025, when President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Citing prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats, including pipeline vandalism, President Bola Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months .
In their stead, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period.
Ibas, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021, pledged to restore law and order in the state, emphasizing collaboration with stakeholders to ensure peace and stability.
The declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State has been met with mixed reactions.
While some view it as a necessary step to restore order, others, including legal experts and political figures, have criticized it as unconstitutional. The Nigerian Bar Association stated that an emergency declaration does not warrant the suspension of elected officials.
Here is the Full Text below:
OUR JOURNEY: CHALLENGING BUT PROGRESSIVE AND IMPACTFUL!
My dear good people of Rivers State,
Today marks exactly two years since I took the oath of office as your 7th democratically-elected Governor. On May 29, 2023, I was sworn in following the clear and overwhelming mandate you gave me during the March 18, 2023 elections. Once again, I thank you for the trust, honour, and privilege to lead our beloved State.
In the past two years, our political landscape has undergone significant changes. Despite the turbulence, I have remained steadfast and focused, guided by the oath I took and the solemn promise I made to always put Rivers State first. I pledged to protect and promote our collective interests and ensure you e n joy the real dividends of democracy and good governance. That commitment remains unshaken.
While we have faced daunting political challenges that have, at times, slowed our pace, these two years have not been without meaningful progress. I am proud of the visible milestones we have achieved, modest but significant strides in healthcare, education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, human capital development, and the inclusion of women in governance.
These achievements would not have been possible without your unwavering support and hope in the brighter future we all envision for Rivers State. For your sacrifices, contributions, and the roles you’ve played in your respective capacities, I say a heartfelt thank you.
As we look ahead, I reaffirm my pledge to consolidate on our gains and remain fully committed to the key priorities of this administration: peace, security, community welfare, and the socio-economic advancement of our State. Though our momentum may have been affected by political circumstances, our focus remains clear, and we are determined to emerge stronger, more united, and more result-oriented.
Your support has emboldened me to press on and not to retreat, but to work harder to foster peace, reconcil i ation, and forgiveness. These are essential to restoring normalcy and delivering transformational infrastructure, impactful programmes, and life-changing services across the State.
We are at a crucial point in our journey, where difficult decisions must be made. Be assured that every step we take will be guided by your best interests and the enduring good of Rivers State.
As we reflect on the lessons of the past two years, I am hopeful for what lies ahead. I look forward to working hand in hand with all of you to build a State we can all be proud of: a RIVERS STATE that stands as a model for the rest of Nigeria.
To those still carrying the weight of our recent political struggles, I appeal to you, let us turn the page, come together, and focus on our shared goal of progress and unity. The time to rebuild and rise is now.
Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve.
God bless Rivers State.
Signed: His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS
Governor Rivers State
Thursday, May 29, 2025
