In a resounding declaration of stability and progress, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has announced that the state is now experiencing an era marked by peace, freedom, and responsive governance. Speaking during a high-profile courtesy visit at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday evening, the Governor detailed how his administration’s policies and commitment to openness are allowing the people of Rivers State to pursue their daily endeavors free from anxiety and the constant threat of unrest.
Governor Fubara, addressing a delegation led by the Primate and Archbishop Metropolitan of All Nigeria, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, highlighted the unique balance of strength and humility that has come to define his leadership. “The kind of governance we are giving is not one of constant conflict or protest,” he asserted. “It is a governance of peace—a governance that listens, admits when we are wrong, and makes the necessary amends.” The Governor emphasized that this atmosphere of serenity has not only alleviated the everyday pressures on the people but also set the stage for a vibrant environment where business and community activities can thrive without the burden of societal tension.
Central to Governor Fubara’s message was the recognition of divine oversight in the affairs of the state. A firm believer in the supremacy of God, he remarked that all progress and achievements in Rivers State occur under divine guidance and blessing. “We understand that God is supreme,” he said, adding that nothing transpires without His approval. This deep-seated faith resonates through his acknowledgment of the prayers and fasting undertaken by the Anglican clergy, which he believes have played a pivotal role in steering his administration towards successful and transparent governance.
The Governor’s remarks underscored a governance model that values both accountability and humility. By admitting faults and actively seeking to correct them, his administration has cultivated an environment of trust with the citizenry. “We say yes when we are at fault and make amends,” he explained, reinforcing that such an approach is the cornerstone of a democratic society that prizes dialogue and the collective well-being of its people.
During the visit, the delegation of Anglican Archbishops and their wives, led by Most Rev. Ndukuba, also conveyed their heartfelt support for the current state administration. Speaking on behalf of the Church, the Primate emphasized the importance of prayers and intercessions that have undoubtedly contributed to the state’s ongoing success. He stressed that leadership is a sacred trust, and the well-being of the people hinges on both spiritual guidance and pragmatic governance.
“Our ministry extends across Nigeria and beyond, with over 20 million faithful and missions that span continents,” said Most Rev. Ndukuba. He reminded those present that the Church’s influence and pastoral care are not only confined within the spiritual realm but also have tangible impacts on the civic and socio-economic dimensions of life in Rivers State. He lauded Governor Fubara for not only his administrative acumen but also his willingness to listen and respond to the prayers of the faithful—a quality that has earned him widespread admiration among church leaders.
The visit, which was held in conjunction with the Church’s Standing Committee Meeting—a biannual gathering where pivotal decisions affecting the life and ministry of the Church are deliberated—served as a testament to the intertwined nature of civic governance and religious stewardship in the region. The chosen theme for the meeting, “The Bond of Peace: The Call of the Life and the Ministry of the Church,” resonated deeply with the Governor’s vision for Rivers State.
Governor Fubara recounted past instances where the leadership of the Anglican Church had taken active steps to mediate during political crises in the state. Although he noted that some mediation efforts were not successful, he expressed a sincere gratitude that, perhaps by divine design, these events have culminated in the present era of peaceful coexistence. “It is not the noise or the protests that mark our time, but the quiet, steadfast prayers and fasting that have steered our state away from the brink of discord,” he declared.
The significance of peace, as repeatedly emphasized by both the Governor and Most Rev. Ndukuba, cannot be overstated. In a region historically marred by political tension and social unrest, the realization of a peaceful state has far-reaching implications. Peace, they argue, is not merely the absence of conflict—it is a proactive state of being that allows for economic development, social cohesion, and the flourishing of cultural and religious expression.
Governor Fubara pointed out that peace is the foundational virtue needed not just in Rivers State but across Nigeria. Citing everyday observations—whether in the marketplace, on the streets, or within families—he contended that true normalcy and prosperity can only be achieved when communities are united by peace. “What we truly need is peace so that everything will become normal,” he stated, encapsulating the collective aspiration for a harmonious society.
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As Rivers State charts its course into what many hope will be a period of sustainable development, Governor Fubara’s message serves as a reminder of the power of reflective leadership. His administration’s commitment to self-correction, transparency, and accountability, bolstered by the moral and spiritual support of church leaders, is poised to set a benchmark for effective governance. The Governor’s vow to remain anchored in the fear of God as a bulwark against political and ethical pitfalls further underscores his dedication to steering the state away from potential pitfalls that have ensnared other administrations.
In a landscape where governance is often synonymous with conflict and division, the Rivers State model—a harmonious blend of divine guidance, moral accountability, and open dialogue—offers a promising blueprint for the future. As both civic leaders and religious dignitaries join hands in the pursuit of peace, the state’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder that progress is attainable when community, faith, and leadership unite for the common good.
With continued support from key stakeholders and a vigilant commitment to improvement, Rivers State stands at the threshold of a future defined not by the noise of dissent, but by the quiet, powerful resonance of peace. The enduring legacy of this administration will likely be remembered not only for its policy achievements but for its unwavering dedication to creating an environment where every citizen can thrive without fear—a legacy forged in prayer, tempered by accountability, and driven by a shared vision of unity and prosperity.
