Rivers State Governor Fubara Attends First Sunday Service Since Reinstatement

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara marked his return to public life by attending his first Sunday church service since his reinstatement, a significant step in his renewed leadership of the oil-rich state. The service, held at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church in his hometown of Opobo in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, drew not only the governor and his wife, Valerie, but also a broad mix of community stakeholders and well-wishers.

In a solemn and quiet gesture of thanksgiving, Governor Fubara expressed profound gratitude for what he described as divine faithfulness sustaining his family, the state, and the nation through trying times. Speaking on the occasion that coincided with the International Day of Peace, he urged calm and unity among Rivers residents as his administration resumes full activities after months of political turbulence.

“The prayers and support of the Church have been an anchor throughout this challenging period,” Fubara said, emphasizing that no act of worship could compare with the grace and goodness of God that brought them to this moment. The Church’s vicar, Venerable Emmanuel Nwuju, led special prayers for the first family and the state’s continued progress.

The governor’s attendance follows the lifting of a six-month emergency rule declared in March by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in response to a severe political crisis that paralyzed governance in Rivers State. The emergency acted as an interim measure to restore peace after confrontations between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Federal Capital Territory Minister, and their supporters in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Governor Fubara described the emergency period as “enormously challenging” but emphasized his decision to cooperate fully with the President and National Assembly rather than contest the state of emergency through legal channels. This compliance, he said, stemmed from a deep conviction that the sacrifice was necessary to secure peace, stability, and forward progress for Rivers State.

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During the emergency, a Sole Administrator was appointed, disbanding the Executive Council and local government chairpersons before democratic institutions were restored following improvements in the political climate. The president’s move to end the emergency and reinstate Fubara was welcomed by many as a crucial step toward reconciliation and democratic governance.

Fubara also publicly acknowledged the peace brokered by President Tinubu, which paved the way for reconciliation between himself, Minister Wike, and the legislative arm of Rivers State. “We have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear state,” he affirmed.

He further expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Tinubu for his intervention and appealed to the people of Rivers State to continue fostering peace and to support the state’s development agenda as his administration resumes work with renewed commitment and focus.