Fubara Attends First Church Service After Reinstatement, Urges Calm in Rivers
Fubara Attends First Church Service After Reinstatement, Urges Calm in Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday attended his first church service since his reinstatement, expressing gratitude to God for what he described as His faithfulness to his family, the state, and the nation.
Fubara, accompanied by his wife, Valerie, and a cross-section of stakeholders, worshipped at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church in his hometown of Opobo, Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area. A video of the service was broadcast by Channels Television.
Addressing the congregation, the governor said his visit was a quiet expression of thanksgiving while also using the occasion of the International Day of Peace to commend worshippers for their prayers and support.
He further urged residents of Rivers State to remain calm and committed to peace as his administration resumes governance.
The service came just days after the federal government lifted the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State in March. The emergency rule was declared by President Bola Tinubu following political instability triggered by a clash between Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Reflecting on the turbulent period, Fubara described it as “enormously challenging,” noting that he willingly accepted the emergency rule to give room for peace and stability. “As your governor, I accepted to abide by the state of emergency declaration and chose to cooperate with Mr President and the National Assembly, guided by my conviction that the sacrifice was not too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State,” he said.
He added that he resisted calls to legally challenge the constitutionality of the emergency rule and the suspension of democratic institutions, stressing that the decision was necessary to prevent further unrest.
Governor Fubara’s return to public worship marks a symbolic step in Rivers State’s political recovery as the administration seeks to consolidate stability after months of crisis.
