Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday attended his first church service since his reinstatement, marking a symbolic return to public life with a quiet moment of gratitude and reflection.
Accompanied by his wife, Valerie Fubara, and several political stakeholders, the governor worshipped at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in his hometown of Opobo, located in the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area. The service coincided with the church’s 2025 Harvest of Divine Possibilities celebration.
While the congregation focused on the harvest festivities, Governor Fubara stated that his visit was primarily to offer a personal thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness to his family, the people of Rivers State, and Nigeria at large.
“No gesture can equal God’s goodness but quiet, pure-hearted worship,” he said, appreciating the Church’s prayers, which he credited with sustaining his administration during recent political upheavals. According to him, those prayers averted shame and secured divine intervention.
In line with the International Day of Peace, which was also marked globally on Sunday, the governor reminded the congregation of the importance of maintaining peace and unity in the state.
A special prayer was led by the Church’s Vicar, Venerable Emmanuel Nwuju, for the First Family and the leadership of Rivers State.
Governor Fubara, elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), assumed office on May 29, 2023, succeeding former Governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Though Wike was instrumental to Fubara’s emergence, the two political allies later became embroiled in a bitter power struggle over control of the state’s political structure and resources.
The rift culminated in a crisis within the Rivers State House of Assembly, triggering impeachment threats, widespread protests, and the burning of the Assembly complex.
In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18 to restore order and prevent further deterioration of the situation.
However, on Wednesday, September 18, the President officially lifted the emergency rule and reinstated full democratic governance in the state.
“The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara; the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Odu; and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their respective offices from September 18, 2025,” President Tinubu announced. “It, therefore, gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today.”
The announcement was met with widespread jubilation. As early as 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, crowds of jubilant supporters gathered outside the Government House along Azikiwe Street in Port Harcourt to celebrate Governor Fubara’s return.
