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Rivers Is Christian State, Wike Reaffirms …Assures RSG, Church Synergy For Dev …Meets Heads Of MDAs, Boards, Revenue Agencies, SAs, Today
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has stated that his administration would continue to partner with the church for the development of the state.
Speaking, yesterday, during the Lord’s Chosen Crusade with the theme: “God Has The Power To Do This Or That” at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Wike attributed his political survival to the support and prayers of the Christian community.
Wike said the forces of darkness invaded the state and attempted to rob the mandate of the people, but God stood firm.
“We saw forces, but the greater force, God Almighty came. With this crusade, Rivers State will be abundantly blessed.
“I repeat once again without apologies, Rivers State is a Christian State. That is why nobody can touch us. When it mattered most, the Christian community prayed and God heard your prayers.
“I will continue to support the activities of all churches. This government will always partner with the churches, whatever the programme they are engaged in. I urge the church to continue to pray. Each time you pray, put us in your prayers”, he said.
The Governor said that God prevailed in Rivers State on March 9, 2019, and took charge of the state.
“On March 9, 2019, light prevailed over darkness. God showed himself that he is in charge. But for God, I wouldn’t have been here addressing the Christian faithful.
“The enemies came to Rivers State to take over the state and stop the will of the people. But God said no and the will of the people prevailed “, he said.
Wike commended the General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Ministry, Pastor Lazarus Muoka for bringing the crusade to Rivers State.
The General Overseer of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, prayed God to eradicate evil in Rivers State, enthrone peace and stability across the state.
Muoka prayed for the mighty hand of God to rest on Wike with divine protection and continuous victory all the way.
The cleric prayed for the Governor, his cabinet, the state House of Assembly and Local Government Council Chairmen, saying that God would continue to lift Rivers State to greater heights.
The crusade attracted members of the church from the 23 Local Government Areas of the State.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike will today meet with heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), boards of Senior Secondary Schools and the Universal Basic Education, principals of Senior and Junior Secondary Schools in the State.
Also to meet with the governor are Board of the State Internal Revenue, all revenue generating agencies and the Governor’s Special Adviser on Information Communication Technology (ICT).
A statement signed by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo said the meeting holds today at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt by 11am.
The statement titled, ‘Special Government Announcement’ reads. “Notice is hereby given that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Barrister Nyesom Wike, will hold a crucial meeting with all MDAS, Board of Senior Secondary Schools, Board of UBEB, all Principals of Senior and Junior Secondary Schools, Board of Rivers State Internal Revenue, all revenue generating agencies and special advisers on ICT.”
The statement directed all concerned to be seated by 10:30am.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
