Posted by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued an apology to his state’s residents for the recent political unrest.
On Saturday, Fubara issued a statement in which he called the crisis “regrettable anxieties.”
He felt that peace could only be achieved by sacrifice.
Fubara spoke about the bombing of the state Assembly building and the resulting schisms in the legislature.
The governor has thanked President Bola Tinubu for mediating the dispute between himself and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
According to the statement, “I consider it necessary to issue this press statement on the developments over the past few days in our dear state.”
On Sunday night, October 29, 2023, I received many reports that the Rivers State House of Assembly had burned to the ground. The fire department extinguished the blaze, and then the police and other security personnel took over.
I went to the assembly complex on Monday, October 30, 2023, to inspect the damage and take corrective action to ensure the safety of the people and property there. I requested that the security departments look into the matter extensively and report back to me.
“Shortly after, I got reports that the state House of Assembly had broken into two factions: one claiming to have impeached and suspended the House Leader and three others preparatory to initiating an impeachment action against me, and the other rival faction impeaching the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, thus sparking off some form of political crisis.
“I wish to congratulate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for his fatherly intervention, which created a series of communication channels to allow the speedy resolution of the festering crisis. I’d want to extend my gratitude to our community’s wise ones, who have stepped in to mediate this conflict.
The restoration of peace and stability in our state is my top priority,” Fubara continued. As governor, the progress of our state is my first priority, and I am a man of peace.
Therefore, I am willing to give up anything necessary to reach my goal. It is also my duty, along with that of the former governor and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to use our respective positions and clout both inside and beyond the state to promote the prosperity, safety, and well-being of our people.
Thus, we must not let anything stand in the way of our people’s striving for greatness.
With a dedication to finalizing all efforts and initiatives by Mr. President and other well-meaning Nigerians, including my brother governors and the elders, “on our part,” they say, “we are always willing and ready to embrace the path to lasting peace and tranquility.”
“I assure the people of Rivers State that peace will certainly prevail, and we shall continue to work together to advance the peace, security, and progress of our state.”