Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has apologised to the people of Rivers State for what he described as “the regrettable anxieties of the last few days” in the state.
In a statement issued and signed by himself late Friday, the governor restated his willingness and readiness “to embrace the path to lasting peace and tranquility with a commitment to consummating all efforts and initiatives by Mr. President and other well-meaning Nigerians, including my brother Governors and the Elders”.
Speaking on the political turmoil that engulfed Rivers State beginning Sunday October 30, 2023, he explained that his visit to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday morning was to inspect the extent of damage by a fire that engulfed the complex on Sunday night.
The governor in the statement said: “I consider it necessary to issue this press statement on the developments of the past few days in our dear state.
“Late on Sunday night, 29th October 2023, I was inundated with reports that the hallowed chamber of the Rivers State House of Assembly has been gutted by fire. The blaze was successfully put out by the fire service, after which security agencies took control of the situation.
“My visit to the Assembly complex on monday, 30th october 2023 was to assess the level of damage and undertake remedial measures to protect lives and property within the Assembly complex. I charged the security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and report 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 3 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 thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his fatherly intervention which opened a series of communication channels to facilitate the timely resolution of the festering crises. I wish to also thank our Elders who are currently intervening in the matter.
“Let me clearly state that my actions are aimed at restoring peace and stability in our state. I am a man of peace and as governor, the advancement of our state is my primary concern. Consequently, no sacrifice is too much for me to make to achieve this objective.
“Furthermore, it is the collective responsibility of the immediate past Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency, Chief Barrister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, GSSRS, Life Bencher and my humble self, to leverage on our positions and influences within and outside the state to advance the progress, security and well-being of our people.
“We must therefore not allow circumstances that could retard all efforts at achieving greatness for our people to prevail.
“On my part, I am always willing and ready to embrace the path to lasting peace and tranquility with a commitment to consummating all efforts and initiatives by Mr. President and other well-meaning Nigerians, including my brother Governors and the Elders.
“I assure the good people and youths of Rivers State, that peace will certainly prevail and we shall continue to work together to advance the peace, security, progress and development of our state.
“As Governor, I sincerely apologise to the good people of Rivers State for the regrettable anxieties of the last few days, while thanking you all for your concerns, and continued support, love, and prayers”.
