Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared Rivers State as one of the safest and most peaceful states in Nigeria.
The governor made the declaration while receiving the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) who were on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stressed that the state has a conducive environment for doing business.
He assured the people of his administration’s commitment to providing security and enabling environment for people to live and do business in the State with ease.
He urged CAN to complement government’s effort in promoting peace and security in the state through prayers.
The governor reiterated that Rivers is a Christian State and expressed gratitude over the unflinching support given to the previous administration by CAN, urging the association to partner with the new administration to consolidate on the gains of development in the State.
“I feel happy that CAN is one of the first groups our administration is meeting with, this is to tell the world that Rivers is a Christian State. When we started our journey, CAN was there, they stood with us in prayers. I sincerely thank the association on behalf of the government and people of Rivers State, we are going to continue to partner with CAN to move the state forward”, he said.
Fubara also urged the association not to use the pulpit as a platform for casting aspersions on government, but rather should be constructive in their criticisms.
He assured that his administration would give due consideration to the requests made by CAN, particularly as regards to the provision of office space and mobility.
He noted that some people were skeptical of a peaceful political transition in Rivers State, but were proven wrong by the turnout of events as the State has remained peaceful.
He said it was imperative for all critical stakeholders to work towards solidifying the prevailing peace and security in Rivers State and assured that his administration would embark on projects that will have positive impact on the lives of the people.
“We are serious in everything we do, we will run a consultative government and get the input of all stakeholders to move the state forward. It’s our responsibility as a government to dispense good governance to the people and consolidate on the development already on ground”, he added.
Earlier, Rivers State Chairman of CAN, Most Rev D. B Kaladokubo, who led the association on the courtesy call, had said the visit was to felicitate with the governor over his victory at the polls and emergence as the Chief Executive Officer of the State.
“I wish to use this opportunity to thank God Almighty for a peaceful election in Rivers State and to specially congratulate Your Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on becoming the popular and overwhelming choice of the Rivers people as the Executive Governor of Rivers State.
“We are convinced that your track record, your formidable background in public service and active professional and technical involvement in the last administration in the state, has equipped you sufficiently for the consolidation of the achievements of your predecessor, required to open more frontiers for further development of Rivers State.
“We have no doubt that you are capable of dealing with the security situation in the state, providing an enabling environment for investors, and enhancing agricultural and commercial activities for all.” he said.
The CAN Chairman applauded the governor for obliging them the visit and pledged the continuous support and prayers of the association for the overall peace and development of Rivers State.
He stated, “Your resolve to work with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rivers State, and your declaration that the Rivers State is a Christian state, renewed the courage and resolution of Christians in the State to continue in the support of your administration and Government in Rivers State.”
The visit featured special prayers for Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Mrs Ngozi Ordu, to succeed in their mandate of running the affairs of the State.

The National Assembly has passed a bill to make comprehensive provisions for the prohibition and punishment of sexual harassment by educators in tertiary institutions.
Recall that the Senate passed this bill in 2020 while the House of Representatives passed theirs but with different provisions.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, however, said on Wednesday that the conference committee of both chambers harmonised the different positions as he presented the report during plenary session.
The proposed legislation seeks to criminalise sexual harassment by educators against students in tertiary institutions.
The National Assembly has also passed a legislation to make compulsory, the inclusion of preventive measures against sexual and gender based violence in the curriculum of all levels of secondary education in Nigeria.

State governors under the aegis of Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) have expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to end fuel subsidy payments in the country and other early policy initiatives of the administration.
The governors expressed their support to Tinubu during the first meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.
The state chief executives, who took turns to speak at the meeting were led by the NGF Chairman and governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who expressed happiness with the President’s subsidy-removal decision, all-inclusive leadership and statesmanship.
They congratulated Tinubu for tackling the fuel subsidy behemoth, promising to work with him to ameliorate the short-term impact of the decision.
Tinubu had earlier called on the governors to collaborate with the Federal Government in tackling the menace of poverty in the country, saying the level of impoverishment was unacceptable.
The President advised the political leaders to downplay their differences and jointly focus on alleviating the sufferings and pains of the people.
“We can see the effects of poverty on the faces of our people. Poverty is not hereditary, it is from the society. Our position is to eliminate poverty. Set aside partisan politics, we are here to deliberate about Nigeria and nation-building,’’ he said.
Tinubu stated that the nation should be seen as one big family.
“We are a family occupying one house, and sleeping in different rooms. If we see it that way and push forward, we will get our people out of poverty. A determined mind is a fertile ground for delivering on results,’’ he added.
The President said good governance would safeguard the future of democracy.
“Present in this room is our diversity in culture and politics, but we are one nation. The unity and stability of the country rest upon us.
“We are in a democracy and we have to nurture the democracy. It is a hard-earned system and not easy to manage. If anyone thinks it is easy, look at other nations that are over a hundred years in democracy.
“We have managed ourselves very well to have a democracy. We have campaigned and arrived at our present destination. We must work for our people”, Tinubu told the governors while assuring them that he would maintain an open-door policy.
The President said he was prepared to share ideas, strengthen institutions, and create bottom-up frameworks that will improve the livelihood of Nigerians.
“What do we do in the face of crushing poverty? What do we do with our development goals? We took the bull by the horns by removing the elephant in the room before the nation sinks.
“We need synergy to fight other vices like corruption. We are trying to get smugglers out of the way. How do we work together to galvanize the economy, and put resources in place? We must think and perform.
“After removing subsidy, there must be savings accruing to the Federation Account,’’ he noted.
Tinubu said the education sector must be improved as part of efforts to reduce poverty and penury.
“How do we address the unacceptable level of poverty? How much are we investing in education, which is the only tool against poverty? I am ready to collaborate with you”, he said.
The President also drew attention to the security problems in some states, admonishing the governors that all efforts should be put in place to tackle the security situation, without thinking it’s only for those facing it.
The Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRasaq, thanked the President for the invitation to deliberate on the challenges of poverty and security, promising that the governors would support the Federal Government in meeting the targets of human development.
“The NGF will follow the tradition of working constitutionally and harmoniously with you,’’ he said.
The meeting, which was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and new Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, had 22 governors and two deputy governors from Edo and Niger States, in attendance.
The governors made suggestions highlighting the plight of citizens in their states, assuring the President of their support in proffering solutions through the National Economic Council.