Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said he feels depressed over the recent declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
Fubara made this known during an interview with AIT while reacting to the decision by the federal government.
On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to rising political tensions and security concerns.
This led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
In their place, President Tinubu appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Retired), as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
The crisis in Rivers State is linked to a conflict between Governor Fubara and his former political ally and predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking to a group of Muslim faithful who visited him at his private residence for Sallah celebrations, Fubara admitted that the situation had affected him emotionally.
“We assumed that I might feel a bit depressed because of the situation, maybe because of what we are seeing but might not understand,” he said.
Despite the crisis, Fubara urged the people of Rivers State to remain calm and not be provoked into violence.
“What they want is to destroy this state, what they want is to create problems and deny you the means of livelihood that you have here, and we will not allow it,” he said.
“We will continue to operate in a peaceful manner and continue to respect every constituted authority to ensure that this state remains the envy of every other state in Nigeria.”
Fubara also assured his supporters that he remains committed to justice and the progress of Rivers State, saying, “Our dreams and vision for this state is a society where no man should be oppressed.”
