Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive intervention in the prolonged political crisis that rocked the state, describing it as timely and instrumental in preserving democratic stability.
Speaking in Port Harcourt on May 29, during a solidarity event organized by his supporters under the Simplified Movement, Fubara credited the President’s mediation for enabling him and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, to continue in office despite intense political upheaval.
“I want to specially thank Mr. President for his fatherly role. If not for his intervention, the situation would have degenerated further,” Fubara stated.
The embattled governor, who had been suspended alongside his deputy and lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly amid an intense political faceoff, used the occasion to call on his supporters to show appreciation to President Tinubu for his stabilizing role.
He also acknowledged the loyalty and unwavering support of the people of Rivers State and Nigerians at large during the period of turmoil.
“I thank everyone who stood by us — those who prayed, protested, or believed in justice. Your voices were heard,” he said.
In a rare moment of humility, Fubara asked for forgiveness from anyone who felt let down by his handling of the crisis. He noted that his decisions were driven by a commitment to peace and the long-term interests of Rivers State.
“There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my oga,” Fubara said in reference to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, his predecessor and political rival.
Fubara disclosed that several reconciliation meetings have taken place, including some at Wike’s residence, signaling a possible thaw in their strained relationship.
Although the political tensions prevented the commissioning of new projects on the symbolic date of May 29, the governor expressed appreciation to his supporters for standing firm.
President Tinubu had earlier suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Odu, and members of the state legislature for six months in response to the escalating crisis, calling for reconciliation and political maturity in the oil-rich state.
