*Says ‘peace cheaper than war’
The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, resumed office Friday, urging on the residents to reflect on the lessons of the six-month emergency rule, stressing that “the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war.”
Fubara, accompanied by Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu and Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, landed at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, in the afternoon to a rapturous welcome by supporters and loyalists.
Their aircraft, with registration number 5N-BTX, touched down at 12:15 p.m. and was met by a large crowd waving banners, singing solidarity songs, and celebrating the governor’s return to office.
Among those present to receive the governor were several notable figures, including former Commissioner for Information and Communications, Emma Okah; former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh; former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Orji Ngofa; former Commissioner for Environment, Sydney Gbara; former factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo, and several former council chairmen and political heavyweights.
However, no prominent politician loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was seen at the airport, fuelling speculation about the state of their reconciliation.
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement issued from the Presidency on Wednesday, officially declared an end to the emergency rule, which had placed Rivers State under the sole administration of retired naval chief Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas for half a year.
In a statewide broadcast on Friday, Fubara recounted the challenges the state faced under the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, following a protracted political crisis.
He said he had cooperated fully with federal authorities and resisted pressures to challenge the constitutionality of the suspension of democratic institutions, prioritising the peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State.
“The last six months have been enormously challenging, but they have taught us valuable lessons about unity, patience, and the importance of dialogue.
“Nothing has been irretrievably lost; there remains ample opportunity for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness,” Fubara said.
The governor also urged political leaders, stakeholders, and citizens to embrace the moment as a fresh beginning, warning against renewed division.
“Let us rise above bitterness and channel our energies into rebuilding trust, fostering inclusiveness, and securing a peaceful and prosperous State for all.
“Our leader, Nyesom Wike, all members of Rivers State House of Assembly, and I as your governor have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear state,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly, at its first plenary after six months, urged Fubara to immediately submit a list of commissioner-nominees for screening and also forward the 2025 Appropriation Bill for consideration.
Speaker Martins Amaewhule presided over the sitting at the Legislative Quarters in Port Harcourt, with lawmakers pledging to play their part in rebuilding governance after months of political paralysis.
Fubara promised that with peace restored, his administration would now focus fully on delivering good governance and accelerating development projects.
“Our focus now is to serve you better. We will not be distracted. Our priority is to consolidate peace and deliver the dividends of democracy to every part of Rivers State,” he declared.
The governor also expressed gratitude to Rivers people for their resilience during the crisis and their warm reception upon his return.
