Governor Siminalayi Fubara alleged yesterday that the raging political crisis in Rivers State was caused by his opponents’ desire to hijack the state’s resources......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
But Fubara assured that he would continue to utilise all state resources judiciously for the people’s overall interest.
The governor urged the church to keep praying for his administration because he needed ‘’more power’’ to remain focused.
He spoke during the 51st birthday of Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, general overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM) Worldwide, and the 18th anniversary of the church in Mbodo, Aluu near Port Harcourt.
Fubara has since last November been at loggerhead with his predecessor Nyesom Wike and 27 pro-Wike members of the state House of Assembly on the running of the state.
Although none of the parties has made a categorical statement on what led to the logjam, some observers believe it has to do with the control of the state’s resources and political levers.
Efforts, including the December 2023 intervention by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have yielded no peace with verbal and legal fireworks deepening.
The latest conundrum is last week’s directive by a Federal High Court in Abuja directing the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) to halt further release of funds from the Federation Account to the state.
But Fubara, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Nelson Chukwudi, turned to the church for continuous prayer for his administration to remain focused.
He said: “There is a reason for this crisis, and that reason is the control of the resources of Rivers State. Rivers State resources belong to you, and we will make sure that the resources are applied judiciously for the betterment of Rivers State.
“What you owe us is just one thing: Continue to pray for us. Let us not lose focus because we know the devil is always at war to derail people in governance.
“Continue to pray for us because what is most important is the interest of the people here, and I believe that with your prayers, we will not lose focus and the purpose of governance will be achieved in Rivers State.”
The governor lauded Apostle Chinyere for his contributions to humanity.
He said he met decayed public amenities on the assumption of office and commended Chinyere for the various educational programmes of the ministry aimed at providing children the requisite vocational and technical knowledge for future employment.
Fubara added: “I want to commend you for what you are doing. Life is not about taking. What is important in life is giving, and anybody who believes that it is only taking, the person won’t go far in life.
“For all you are doing for humanity, God will continue to strengthen you. You don’t know what you are doing, but those of us who are outside understand your contributions to humanity.
“Look at what you just showed me here. How many of our schools are still functioning to provide that level of training? They are no longer there! We met a dead system that we are trying to revive. But you are doing it as a private person. Why won’t God bless you?”
The governor further thanked the cleric and his congregation for the support of his administration in spite of all the challenges.
Fubara also donated N200 million to the church to support its ongoing developmental projects.
He said: “Let me say congratulations to this church because the GO ‘Power’ will not succeed without the support of you. So, I want to thank you for supporting Power.
“I am happy to be here, especially to celebrate this birthday with him. He has been a very strong supporter of our cause. Right from the time we started this journey, he has kept faith with me in his prayers.
“I strongly believe his prayer and the prayers of the church are one of the reasons that while in the face of all our troubles, we are still standing. There is nothing God cannot do. So, I know that with your continuous prayers, we will overcome this present challenge.
“I am aware that there is a building for your TV station, and one of the dreams for that place is when you finish it, guests will be staying there when they come for programmes. Let me, on behalf of the government and every one of you here, and the good people of Rivers State, donate the sum of N200 million to support the project.
“I need more power, more power for the progress of Rivers State, more power for the defense of humanity in Rivers State. God will bless you people for your prayers, and I assure you, we will not fail you.”