Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara says he feels depressed over the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
President Bola Tinubu had, in a nationwide broadcast on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State over the prolonged political crisis in the state.
The declaration saw the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Tinubu appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), as the sole administrator of Rivers State.
However, Fubara, while speaking during a meeting with Muslim leaders at his private residence in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Monday, March 31, said he and his team feel depressed over the situation.
Fubara said: “We, as humans, might feel a bit depressed because of the situation. Maybe because of what we are seeing, but we might not understand that what is deeper and beyond us has happened.
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“But in everything, we have decided to give glory to the almighty God. This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers.
“As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.
“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that, in the end, we will emerge stronger.
“If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”
The governor, however, urged his supporters to remain patient and unprovoked by “those fanning the embers of violence and disunity” in Rivers State.
