By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday attended his first church service since his reinstatement, offering thanks to God for what he described as divine intervention in his political travails.
The governor, accompanied by his wife, Valerie, and several stakeholders, worshipped at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church in his hometown of Opobo, Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area. The church was celebrating its 2025 Harvest of Divine Possibilities, but Fubara said his mission was simply to return quietly and thank God for His faithfulness to his family, the state, and the nation.
“Nothing can equal God’s goodness other than a quiet and pure-hearted worship,” the governor said. He attributed his survival in office to the prayers of the church, which, according to him, shielded his family and administration from shame during turbulent times.
On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, Fubara also called on Rivers people to remain peaceful and prayerful as his administration begins afresh. The service featured a special prayer for the First Family, led by the church’s vicar, Venerable Emmanuel Nwuju.
Fubara, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was sworn in as governor on May 29, 2023, succeeding Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Once political allies, the two later clashed over control of state structures, leading to a bitter crisis that split the House of Assembly, triggered impeachment moves, violent protests, and the burning of the Assembly complex.
The standoff prompted President Bola Tinubu to declare a six-month state of emergency in March. The emergency rule was lifted last Wednesday, with Tinubu announcing the restoration of democratic order and directing Fubara, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly to resume duties.
Supporters celebrated the governor’s return with early morning gatherings at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
