JUST IN: Fubara Apologizes for Rivers Crisis

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued an apology to the people of the state regarding the recent political crisis. Fubara referred to the crisis as “regrettable anxieties of the last few days” and emphasized the importance of making sacrifices for the sake of peace.

In a statement titled “Peace is priceless,” which he issued to the press in Port Harcourt, the state capital, Fubara recounted the bombing of the state House of Assembly complex and the division among lawmakers. He clarified that his visit to the House was to assess the damage caused by the fire and take measures to protect lives and property within the assembly complex.

The governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his intervention, which opened up channels of communication aimed at peacefully resolving the crisis. Fubara asserted that he was willing to make any sacrifice necessary and that it was the joint responsibility of himself and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to use their positions for the progress, security, and well-being of the people.

The statement read, “My dear good people of Rivers State, I find it important to issue this press statement regarding the recent developments in our beloved state.

“Late on Sunday, October 29, 2023, I received reports that the esteemed chamber of the Rivers State House of Assembly had been damaged by fire. The blaze was successfully extinguished by the fire service, and the security agencies took control of the situation.

“My visit to the assembly complex on Monday, October 30, 2023, was intended to assess the extent of the damage and implement remedial measures to safeguard lives and property within the assembly complex. I instructed the security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and report their findings to me.

“Shortly thereafter, I received reports that the state House of Assembly had split into two factions, with one faction claiming to have impeached and suspended the House Leader and three others in preparation for initiating impeachment proceedings against me. The other rival faction impeached the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, triggering some form of political crisis.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for his paternal intervention, which created channels of communication to facilitate the timely resolution of the ongoing crises. I would also like to thank our elders who are currently mediating in the matter.”

Fubara added, “Let me make it clear that my actions are aimed at restoring peace and stability in our state. I am a peace-loving man, and as the governor, the advancement of our state is my foremost concern.

“Therefore, no sacrifice is too great for me to make in order to achieve this objective. Furthermore, as leaders, it is the shared responsibility of the immediately past governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, as well as myself, to leverage our positions and influence within and outside the state to promote the progress, security, and well-being of our people.

“We must not allow circumstances that could hinder all efforts towards achieving greatness for our people to prevail.

“As for us, we are always willing and ready to embrace the path to lasting peace and tranquility, with a commitment to seeing through all efforts and initiatives by Mr. President and other well-meaning Nigerians, including my fellow governors and the elders.

“I assure the people of Rivers State that peace will undoubtedly prevail, and we will continue to work together to advance the peace, security, and progress of our state.

“As the governor, I sincerely apologize to the good people of Rivers State for the regrettable anxieties of the recent days. I thank you all for your concerns, and for your continued support, love, and prayers. 

May God continue to bless our beloved Rivers State,” he prayed.