By Parrot Newspaper 
Full Statement : Fubara’s Cry Against Emergency Rule in Rivers State
By Parrot Newspaper Editorial Board
The air in Rivers State is thick with uncertainty. A state once vibrant with economic promise and political resilience now finds itself at the crossroads of democracy and executive overreach. The declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu has sent shockwaves through the oil-rich state, but Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s reaction carries a deeper pain—the anguish of a leader watching his people become pawns in a dangerous political chess game.
Governor Fubara’s words were not just a press statement; they were a lamentation, a plea, and a firm stand against what he perceives as an unwarranted assault on democracy. His address was filled with controlled frustration, not just for himself but for the millions of Rivers people who woke up to find their democratic rights under siege.
A Governor Betrayed, A People Abandoned
Fubara has, from the beginning, been a governor at war with forces stronger than him. The political drama between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike—now a powerful minister in Tinubu’s cabinet—had already thrown the state into turmoil. Yet, despite all odds, Fubara chose the path of peace, even welcoming back commissioners who had earlier resigned in protest.
But peace was never what the system wanted. Instead, at every turn, Fubara was frustrated, undermined, and challenged by the Rivers State House of Assembly—a body that seemed more interested in political power play than governance. Now, with Tinubu’s emergency rule declaration, the situation has escalated beyond political disagreements into a full-blown constitutional crisis.
The questions haunt every observer: What justified this drastic move? Was Rivers burning? Was there a security breakdown so severe that civilian authority could no longer function? The reality on the ground tells a different story. The state had its challenges, yes, but governance was ongoing, salaries were being paid, and projects were being executed. So why this emergency rule? Why now?
The Full Statement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara
Governor Fubara’s official response to President Tinubu’s emergency rule declaration reads as follows:
> My dear Rivers People,
I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history.
Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.
Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.
This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.
Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately after we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.
These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.
Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.
Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.
At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.
We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.
God bless Rivers State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS
The Dangerous Precedent
The imposition of emergency rule on Rivers State is a dangerous precedent, not just for Fubara but for every sitting governor in Nigeria. If this can happen to an elected leader without just cause, then no state government is truly safe from federal intervention. Today, it is Rivers; tomorrow, it could be any other state that refuses to bow to the whims of the ruling party at the center.
Fubara’s response reflects not just his personal grief but the collective pain of Rivers people—people who have fought hard for their autonomy and refuse to be treated as political serfs. His call for peace is commendable, but how does a man fight for democracy when the very institutions meant to protect it have been hijacked?
A Call to Action
The coming days will define the soul of Rivers State. Will the people accept this move in silence, or will they rise to defend their democratic rights? Will political actors in the state continue to sell their loyalty to the highest bidder, or will they finally stand for the people they swore to serve?
Governor Fubara has vowed to engage with all democratic institutions to restore normalcy. But the battle is bigger than him now—it is a battle for the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy. If Rivers State falls under the weight of political manipulation, then democracy in Nigeria itself is on the line.
As Fubara holds back his anger and calls for wisdom and patience, one thing is clear: Rivers State is not just fighting an emergency rule; it is fighting for its soul.
Presidency and other political gladiators are yet to respond to Fubara Full Statement : Fubara’s Cry Against Emergency Rule in Rivers State