…Senator says Rivers events won’t affect Tinubu’s chances in 2027
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sought spiritual guidance as he takes on the mantle of leadership in Nigeria’s oil-rich Rivers State.
Fubara urged all citizens of the state to embrace peace, saying that “the greatest gift anyone can wish for is peace.”
Fubara made the call on Sunday at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Opobo Town, headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of the state, where he attended a thanksgiving service.
The service, which was part of the ‘2025 Harvest of Divine Possibilities,’ provided an opportunity for the governor to reflect on the events of the past six months and to thank God and the people of Rivers State for his return.
Read also: Return of Sim Fubara: Peace upstairs, hate down below
“I am here together with my wife this first Sunday after the suspension of the state of emergency. We cannot thank God enough as a family. Our being here is private; we came simply to worship in our home church. When my story ends, this church will lead me to my next journey,” the statement quoted him as saying.
“So, it is important that I come here to say thank you quietly before the Almighty God for what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will continue to do, not just for me and my family, but for this State and Nigeria,” he noted.
Fubara expressed appreciation to the people of Opobo for their years of fasting and intercession on his behalf, likening their prayers to deposits in a bank which would manifest in due season.
“The greatest gift anyone can wish for is peace. Peace in the home prevents sickness and worry. Peace in the community attracts development. Peace within yourself promotes good health. Truly, peace is the most important thing.
“I urge everyone to hold peace dear as a symbol of unity and a foundation for the progress of our dear state,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ayodele Arise, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress from Ekiti State and former senator, said the events of Rivers State in the past six months would not affect President Bola Tinubu’s chances in 2027, criticising those kicking against the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State in March.
Fubara was removed as governor on March 18 after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state in response to the crisis between him and Nyesom Wike, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister. Ibok Ibas became the sole administrator of the state for six months, conducting the local government elections and appointing officials. Fubara returned to his office on September 18.
Read also: Rivers market space buzzes as Fubara returns to office
“I believe the action taken by Mr President will ensure that there is peace in Rivers, even though I am not privy to the peace deal. The governor has come out in clear terms to say that he wants peace. So, those who believe that there must be perpetual acrimony between him and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, should begin to look in a different direction so that peace can reign in the interest of residents of Rivers State,” Arise said, while addressing journalists over the weekend.
“Being the president of the federation, and the way tension was building in Rivers, it is a very important state when you look at our source of revenue. Rivers contribute a significant amount of money into the federation, ditto other states in the Delta region. Instigating violence there would drive away the engineers working in the oil rigs and those living in the Port Harcourt area. And so, if the place becomes ungovernable and people live in fear, the president would have failed in his responsibility if he didn’t take the action he took,” Arise noted.
He claimed that Fubara, like other governors in the Niger Delta region, would align with the second-term aspiration of President Tinubu.
