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WE’RE WATCHERS OVER AFFAIRS OF RIVERS – FUBARA
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that he will make a difference with the sterling leadership that is being provided as a watcher over the affairs of the State, and not as one who merely craves for absolute power to control the people of the State.
The Governor explained that those who seek absolute control get obsessed with power, become ruthless and delightfully trample on the rights and liberty of people they should ordinarily dedicate themselves to serve.But Governor Fubara said he will continue to watch over the affairs of State entrusted in his care with the fear of God, and make Rivers people truly proud of his time of service.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the baby dedication service in honour of the family of Mr and Mrs Henry Wordu at the Royal House of Grace International Church in Rumueme Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State on Sunday.
He said, “For us, by the special grace of God, He has placed us, today, to watch over the affairs, not to control, but watch over the affairs of this State. I am not controlling, but watching the affairs; and I will watch through the fear of God.
“I will watch, understanding that one day, I will leave and account for the way I had watched over the affairs for all of us,” he said.
Governor Fubara emphasised: “It’s when you are of the mind of controlling power, that you will become obsessed. But when you are watching, you know that one day, you will leave and another will take over.
“So, I will watch with the fear of God, and I will make everyone of you proud. I will make a difference in leadership, and that difference will be to give everybody the opportunity to be free in this State,” he added.
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to the church for its fervent prayers, which is the reason why his administration is still standing strong and daring to implement impactful policies and programmes that advance the progress and growth of the State.
The Governor said no single man is more powerful than God to thwart divine purpose because, according to him, the hearts of kings are willed to any direction by God to do His biddings.
Governor Fubara asserted that no administration in the State has ever been subjected to the ordeals it is experiencing but stressed that the confidence to pull through is rooted by the spirit to stand in the strength of God continually.
He emphasised, “No man is more powerful than God. And even the heart of that wicked and heartless man or whatever you want to call it, it is even in the palm of God’s hand.
“It’s like a water that God turns in directions He wants. So, it’s only God that will continue to help us. And I know that He will lead us to a successful end.”
Governor Fubara further said: “And I am here to say thank you, first for all your prayers. A good number of you don’t even know me, have not seen me, have not had any personal contact with me, but from the time God showed His mercy upon us, you have always prayed for us, wish us well, and your prayers have always been answered by God.
“We are only standing because of your prayers. What we have gone through in this State, no previous government had gone through it. But it is only God that has made us still standing. Not just standing, but standing in the strength of God.
“It is only God and God alone. Without God, it won’t and will never be possible. So, I want to thank the Almighty God for showing His mercy, His grace that none of us even merit, but He poured it on us abundantly.”
Governor Fubara explained that he is at the church service to identify with Mr Wordu, who is a wonderful and great personality, and also to be part of the dedication of their baby to God.
The Governor noted that the beginning of life of any child is better started from the altar of God in act of dedication, making pronouncements and friends making the promise to join in the upbringing, provision of spiritual guidance and physically tend the child to grow into responsible adult.
He noted, “So, we are here to join everyone to make the promise that we will continue to pray for this baby. We will physically support the upbringing of this child in the fear of God and in the understanding of the workings of God in the lives of everyone.
“Nothing happens without God. He is a perfect designer. Before anything happens, He knows the end from the beginning. He already knows where he is going.
“It’s important you understand who a successful father is. A successful father is not measured by the wealth, money, houses, but when you are surrounded by worthy children.
“So, my prayer is that this baby will grow to bring honour to the Henry’s family; to bring honour to this church; to bring honour to this State; and bring honour to our country, Nigeria.”
Governor Fubara, who urged the church to continue to pray for his administration because God has already taken charge, said Rivers State and its people are truly liberated by God.
The Governor, while assuring of upholding what is right and just for the interest of the State, on behalf of the State Government, donated the sum of N100million support to the church.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, noted that Governor Fubara means well for the State, adding that he will continue to make progress in his governance over Rivers State.
General Musa also noted the huge defence task undertaken by the Nigerian military to ensure sustained security of the country, and assured that they will not relent in that responsibility.
In his speech, General Overseer of the Royal House of Grace International Church, Apostle Zilly Aggrey, said no plan can ever understand the plans of God and how He accomplishes them.
He added that this is why God will continue make detractors dumbfounded with the successes Governor Fubara has recorded within one year in office.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene