Fubara Says Nothing Lost in Rivers Crisis, Pledges Peace

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in a solemn and reassuring statewide broadcast, has declared that “nothing has been irretrievably lost” during the six-month state of emergency that had paralyzed governance in the state. The governor’s address, delivered on Friday in Port Harcourt, was a direct appeal to the people of Rivers State following his return to office and a promise to restore peace and focus on development. His statement is a critical step in the ongoing reconciliation process, signaling a new chapter for the state after a prolonged period of political turmoil.

Fubara’s message of hope and resilience was aimed directly at those who had expressed “genuine fears, frustrations, and uncertainty over the nature of the peace process.” He acknowledged their concerns as valid, a move that is seen by many as an attempt to rebuild trust with his supporters who may have felt alienated by the terms of the peace deal. “However, nothing has been irretrievably lost; there remains ample opportunity for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness,” he said. This particular phrase is a subtle but significant one, hinting that the peace accord, which was brokered by President Bola Tinubu, may not be a rigid, unchangeable document but one that can be adjusted to suit the realities on the ground. The governor’s pledge to work with the State House of Assembly is part of this renewed commitment to move past the animosity and govern in a manner that serves the best interests of the people.

The state of emergency, which was lifted on September 17, 2025, was a direct consequence of a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Dependable NG confirms that the political crisis had escalated to a point where governance was completely paralyzed, leading to President Tinubu’s unprecedented intervention. During the six-month period, the state was run by a sole administrator, and critical governmental functions, including the passage of the state budget, were suspended. This paralysis was the “war” that Fubara was alluding to when he quoted the famous saying: “We must all remember the saying that the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war.” In this context, the “costliest peace” is the political compromise he has to make, which may include working with a House of Assembly largely loyal to Wike and possibly re-admitting commissioners who had resigned. The “cheapest war” is the continued political instability, which would have stalled the state’s progress indefinitely.

The governor’s message of peace and reconciliation is not just for his supporters but also for the state’s investors and the business community. The protracted political crisis had created an environment of uncertainty, which is a major deterrent for investment and economic growth. By reassuring the public that the worst is over and that the government is committed to an inclusive and peaceful future, Fubara is sending a powerful signal that Rivers State is open for business. The political landscape in the state is still complex, with Wike still a powerful figure and the divisions within the political class still apparent. However, for now, the governor has successfully used his first broadcast to reset the political agenda, move the conversation from conflict to cooperation, and give the people of Rivers State a reason to be optimistic about the future. His message, which acknowledged the pain of the past while looking forward to a hopeful future, is a testament to the fact that leadership sometimes requires putting personal interests aside for the greater good of the community.