PRESS STATEMENT BY THE SIMPLICITY MOVEMENT ON THE TRANSITION TO THE RIVERS GRASSROOT MOVEMENT
Distinguished Members of the Press, Esteemed Leaders and Stakeholders, Fellow Rivers People,
One year ago, on the 27th of June 2024, at the Open Field of Kalabari National College (KNC), Buguma, in Asari-Toru Local Government Area, a civic revolution was born. On that day, the Simplicity Movement was formally launched as a voluntary, non-partisan collective of Rivers sons and daughters who, inspired by the governance style and leadership principles of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, chose to stand in support of his administration—purely on conviction and conscience.
After due consideration of the exceptional leadership qualities demonstrated by His Excellency—his calm disposition, integrity, and people-oriented governance—I took the decision to rally my vast network of supporters across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State, together with other like-minded Rivers people, to openly declare our support for his administration. We did this without consulting the Governor or anyone in his inner circle. Our action was not motivated by inducement, expectation, or political reward. It was a voluntary, sincere, and deliberate demonstration of solidarity and belief in a leader who, from day one, placed Rivers people at the centre of governance. Since then, we have held firmly to that conviction—without seeking, demanding, or receiving any form of gratifications.
Over the course of the past year, we mobilized from community to community, LGA to LGA—carrying a message of progress, people-centered development, and the urgent need to protect democratic institutions in Rivers State. We did this at a time when our state was gripped by a worsening political crisis that nearly fractured our institutions and divided our people.
This moment demands deep reflection. Rivers State has paid a price for division. It is for this reason that peace, dialogue, and reconciliation are not just desirable—they are necessary.
In recognition of the ongoing peace and reconciliation process brokered by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and following the direct instruction of His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for all support structures operating in his name to be stepped down in order to unify the state.
We, the leadership and members of the Simplicity Movement across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State, hereby officially announce the dissolution of the Simplicity Movement.
As dedicated followers of the Governor, we fully align ourselves with this directive. We understand its purpose. We honour its spirit. And we acknowledge that true loyalty demands discipline. We are proud to support this decision, because it is a bold step towards sustainable peace, unity, and progress for our dear state.
Our commitment to Rivers State and our belief in Governor Fubara’s leadership remain unshaken. But at this juncture, we must step aside—not in weakness, but in strength; not in retreat, but in responsibility. We believe this is how enduring leadership is built—on sacrifice, not self-interest.
We commend the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, for showing maturity, statesmanship, and responsibility by embracing reconciliation.
It is important to state that many of us, in one way or the other, have had the opportunity to work with the FCT Minister. As a leader, I personally worked in very close proximity with him before and during his tenure as Governor. During that period, we shared a cordial and respectful working relationship, and he clearly understood my capacity to mobilise the people and contribute strategically to the political progress of the state.
It is in this light that we do not view the peace pact between the Governor and the FCT Minister—who is also the Governor’s political father—as a loss or concession, but rather, a new vista of opportunity for the needed collaboration that will bind the state together in peace and set us on a trajectory of genuine progress.
We salute His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, whose leadership throughout this crisis has been defined by restraint, wisdom, and an unshaken belief that “there is no price too high to pay for peace.” His ability to lead without bitterness, to govern amidst sabotage, and to seek unity even when it seemed elusive, remains a model for leadership in complex times.
To the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we express our profound gratitude. From wading into the crisis in its early days to now mediating a return to normalcy and national cohesion, President Tinubu has demonstrated that national unity and subnational stability are non-negotiable pillars of Nigeria’s sustained progress.
While the Simplicity Movement may formally end today, our commitment to Rivers State endures. The bonds we have formed, the values we uphold, and the mission we embraced cannot be shelved—they must evolve.
It is in this spirit of continuity, unity, and renewed purpose that we announce our transformation into a new, broader, and more inclusive platform which be called:
THE RIVERS GRASSROOT MOVEMENT (RGM)
The Rivers Grassroot Movement is a unifying, non-partisan civic platform that brings together Rivers people from all backgrounds—regardless of political party, ethnic identity, or persuasion—to promote peace, support good governance, effective leadership, and sustainable development.
Our mission is to unite and empower Rivers people at the grassroots level, encouraging active participation in governance, promoting peace, and driving community-led development initiatives across the 23 Local Government Areas.
Our vision is for a peaceful, united, and progressive Rivers State where communities are empowered, governance is inclusive, and no citizen is left behind in the development process.
Through RGM, we shall refocus our energies toward:
Community sensitization and civic education;
Promoting peace, tolerance, and inter-group understanding;
Supporting development policies through constructive civic engagement;
Serving as a bridge between the people and government;
Mobilizing every Rivers man and woman to participate in shaping the future of our state.
As members of the Rivers Grassroot Movement, we pledge to work closely and harmoniously with all well-meaning Rivers people, government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, and grassroots communities to build a state where peace, justice, and stability are not negotiable—but guaranteed.
We extend our hands in solidarity and invite all those who believe in the greatness of Rivers State to join us—not in division, but in unity; not in protest, but in purpose.
We are not in opposition.
We are not a faction.
We are Rivers people. We are patriots. We are builders of peace.
Finally, we call on all our members and supporters across the 23 LGAs of Rivers State to continue to support the leadership of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, as Governor of Rivers State; to honour and respect the FCT Minister as a political father in the state; and to always conduct themselves in ways that promote and preserve the peace and stability of our dear state.
RGM! One Rivers.
RGM!! One Voice.
RGM!!! One Purpose.
Long live Rivers State.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed:
High Chief Hon. (Amb.) Sobomabo Jackrich
National Leadership, Rivers Grassroot Movement (RGM)
