Concerns about Fubara’s whereabouts amid state of emergency
There are concerns about the whereabouts of the suspended governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara following the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday.
The newly appointed administrator, former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas is said to have assumed control of the government house in Port Harcourt. However, Fubara’s location remains a topic of speculation among residents of the state.
While some said he must have been placed on house arrest within the government house, others said he is under protective custody under government supervision.
But the suspended governor had reacted to his suspension and that of the Assembly members, saying all his actions were consistent with the Constitution of Nigeria.
Apparently noting that the situation in the state doesn’t warrant declaration of state of emergency the governor urged all residents of the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding, stating that he will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.
In a statement personally signed by the governor, he said the citizens of the state have always been resilient, assuring that they will face the situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.
He maintained that his priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
He said, 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 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.
Grounds for declaration of a State of Emergency in Nigeria
Rivers: Tinubu seeks Reps approval for emergency rule
APC, PDP disagree on Rivers State emergency rule
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2348033202396 Email: sentinelnewsng@gmail.com
