The Rivers Peace Congress (RPC) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the move as “bold, timely, and necessary” in averting a full-blown constitutional crisis and restoring stability to the troubled region.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its national president, Comrade Randy Prince, the group said the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the appointment of Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as Sole Administrator have already begun yielding results, particularly in reviving governance, improving security, and restoring public confidence.

Part of the statement read: “The intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rivers State came at a time when the very fabric of governance was at risk.

“We had a governor who defied court orders, ignored constitutional checks, and appeared more interested in fighting perceived enemies than in governing.”

RPC accused the previous administration under Fubara of deepening political hostilities that left the state legislature crippled, government institutions paralysed, and public services in disarray.

It said that for months, Rivers State teetered on the edge of anarchy before the federal government stepped in.

“The state was on the brink. But with the state of emergency in place, we are now seeing calm return, institutions function again, and citizens breathe a sigh of relief,” the group stated.

According to the RPC, the appointment of Ibas as administrator has brought about noticeable improvements in inter-agency cooperation, public service delivery, and conflict resolution, particularly in Port Harcourt and surrounding local councils.

“Rivers people can now go to sleep with both eyes closed. Markets have reopened without fear of politically motivated violence. Civil servants are receiving their salaries without stories. Ministries are working. Public projects have resumed,” Prince added.

The group acknowledged that some critics may view the move as undemocratic but argued that the preservation of national unity and security must take precedence in exceptional circumstances.

“Let us be honest with ourselves, Rivers State was sinking into a constitutional crisis. The judiciary was under siege.

“The state assembly had become a theatre of war. President Tinubu acted, not out of malice, but in defence of peace and democratic order,” the group stated.

The RPC further praised Ibas for his non-partisan approach and efforts to unify various factions in the state’s deeply divided political environment.

“Ibas has proven himself to be a bridge builder. He’s not chasing headlines or fighting ghosts. He’s focused on restoring service delivery, rebuilding institutions, and giving Rivers people a sense of belonging again,” the group said.

The group urged international observers and human rights organisations to take into account the peculiarities of the situation in Rivers before rushing to judgment.

“Those shouting dictatorship from afar were not here when government offices were under siege and 26 lawmakers were locked out of the assembly, denying thousands of Rivers people their representation,” Prince said.

Calling for unity, the RPC appealed to Rivers elites, traditional rulers, and the business community to support the Sole Administrator and work with the federal government’s roadmap toward full political reconciliation and the eventual return to democratic governance in the state.

“This is not the time to divide the state further; this is the time for healing. We cannot allow personal egos or ethnic loyalties to derail the progress we’ve started seeing,” Prince stated.

In closing, the RPC thanked President Tinubu for showing “true statesmanship in the face of political sabotage” and pledged continued support for his administration and its efforts in Rivers.

“History will remember that when Rivers cried for help, President Tinubu answered,” Prince stated.

“He stood for order, peace, and progress. And we, the Rivers Peace Congress, will continue to support this government and the Sole Administrator as long as they continue to put the people first,” he added.