By Rapheal

Copyright thesun

Thanks Tinubu, pledges to work with Wike, legislators

From Cosmas Omegoh and Tony John, Port Harcourt

Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has revealed that he was under pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension for six months of democratic institutions in Rivers State.

Fubara disclosed this during his statewide broadcast after he resumed duty in Port Harcourt, on Friday. The governor said he resisted the pressure because he accepted to abide by the state of emergency declaration and chose to cooperate with President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly, guided by his conviction that no sacrifice was too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of the state.

Governor Fubara declared that he is committed to working harmoniously with the State House of Assembly to recover lost grounds and accelerate the social and economic advancement of Rivers.

He thanked President Tinubu, the National Assembly, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and all stakeholders that contributed to the restoration of peace and stability in the state.

The governor, who renewed his pledge to serve with the fear of God, humility and a high sense of duty, also thanked Rivers people for their patience and resilience during the emergency rule.

He noted: “It is without doubt that the last six months had been enormously challenging for our dear state under the emergency rule.

“As your governor, I accepted to abide by the state of emergency declaration and chose to cooperate with Mr. President and the National Assembly, guided by my conviction that no sacrifice was too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State.

“This was why I also resisted the pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the declaration of a state of emergency, the suspension of democratic institutions, and all other actions that we endured during this difficult period.

“In the course of the six-month period, Mr. President graciously brokered the peace process with all the parties successfully. Our Leader, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, all members of the 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 Rivers State.”

Fubara believes the political crisis is now forgotten and peace and stability returned to the state, though not without the hard lessons they had learnt from the emergency rule.

“The responsibility now rests squarely on us: the Government, the State House of Assembly, political leaders and stakeholders to put aside our differences, work for the common good, and advance the interests of our people above all else. We have a duty to ensure that the peace we have all embraced remains permanent in our dear Rivers State. “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Rivers State, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. President for his fatherly disposition and decisive interventions in resolving the political crisis and for graciously restoring full democratic governance to our state.

“Personally, I will never take Mr. President’s kindness for granted, and for that, I hereby reaffirm my utmost loyalty and eternal gratitude.

“Accordingly, let us, therefore, embrace this moment as a fresh beginning. Let us work together with renewed hope and determination to build a stronger, more peaceful and prosperous Rivers State. I assure you that we will continuously work towards ensuring that we carry everyone along.

“Despite the turbulence, you are aware of the credible milestones our administration achieved in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other key sectors over the last two years.

“Our immediate responsibility is to return to the path of governance and development by completing the projects which we started by ensuring none of them is starved of funds or neglected, thereby reviving our economy, protecting lives and property, and improving the wellbeing of all Rivers people. “I commit to working harmoniously with the Rivers State House of Assembly to recover lost grounds and accelerate the social and economic advancement of our dear Ssate. I also renew my pledge to serve with the fear of God, humility and a high sense of duty.

“1 also thank our Leader, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory for committing to the prompt resolution of the political impasse in the state.”

He, however, called on Rivers people, regardless of political, religious, or ethnic affiliation, “to join hands in rebuilding the state and securing a future of dignity and progress for everyone. In all, I give glory to the Almighty God.”