Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday, disclosed that the current political crisis in the state was about control of resources.
Fubara, however, assured that his administration will ensure the protection of state resources.
But former First lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, urged Christians and Nigerians, at large, to pray to God for the peace of Rivers State.
The governor and the former first lady spoke as they celebrated the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM) Worldwide, Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, on his 51st birthday and 18th anniversary celebration of the church at Aluu, Rivers State.
In another development, the Rivers State Police command dismissed a rumour that security operatives attached to Fubara had a fracas with some military officers loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Speaking at the occasion, Fubara assured Rivers people that he will continue to utilise the state’s resources judiciously for their betterment and overall interest. He asked for continuous prayers from the church and the people in the state.
Fubara said his administration would remain focused on achieving the purpose of governance.
He said, “There is a reason for this crisis, and that reason is the control of the resources of Rivers State. Rivers State resources belong to you, and we will make sure that the resources are applied judiciously for the betterment of Rivers State.
“What you owe us is just one thing: continue to pray for us. Let us not lose focus because we know the devil is always at war to derail people in governance.
“Continue to pray for us because what is most important is the interest of the people here, and I believe that with your prayers, we will not lose focus and the purpose of governance will be achieved in Rivers State.”
The governor, who noted the decay of public amenities met on assumption of office, commended the General Overseer of OPM for his philanthropic works and contributions to humanity.
He stated that the educational programmes in the ministry aimed at providing children the requisite vocational and technical knowledge needed for future employment.
He said, “I want to commend you for what you are doing. Life is not about taking. What is important in life is giving, and anybody who believes that it is only taking, the person won’t go far in life.”
He went ahead to donate the sum of N200 million to the church to support its ongoing infrastructure development projects.
Earlier, Jonathan urged Nigerians, especially Rivers people, to pray for peace and progress of the state and the country, at large.
She described Apostle Chinyere as a beacon of hope for the less privileged in the country, stating that if there is no peace in Rivers, there would be no progress.
The former first lady said, “If there is no peace in Rivers State, it will affect Bayelsa and South-south at large. I am appealing to every individual in the political crisis to sheathe their swords for peace in the state.
“I also call on all other pastors and churches to pray for Rivers and the governor of the state. Where there is no peace, there will be no development. Our parents are here, so we don’t know who the stone will touch.
“We are one irrespective of where you are from. We must love one another and not kill one another. Let God come down and save Rivers State. We are tired of the negative news that comes from the state.”
The event was also attended by other prominent politicians in the country, including the governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, and former Senate President Adolphus Wabara.
Meanwhile, a statement by the state police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the rumour about confrontation in the state was false and manipulated by persons bent on stoking crisis reign in the state.
Iringe-Koko stated, “The Rivers State Police Command unequivocally refutes the unsubstantiated report currently circulating, alleging a violent altercation at the Rivers State Government House involving supposed military forces allegedly loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike and current Governor Sim Fubara.
“We can confirm that there was no such incident, and this narrative is a deliberate fabrication aimed at inciting fear, confusion, and unrest within Rivers State.”
She confirmed that Fubara did not declare curfew or take over the security structure in the state.
The police spokeswoman said, “There have been no reports of armed confrontations or casualties involving Nigerian military personnel within Rivers State. Furthermore, Governor Fubara has neither ordered a curfew, nor called for any form of take-over of security operations within the state by militant groups.
“The Nigeria Police Force and other security and law enforcement agencies remain in full control, actively maintaining peace and security in Rivers State and across the state.
“This false narrative serves no purpose other than to disturb the peace and tranquillity in the State. The public is therefore urged to disregard these false rumours and refrain from spreading unfounded and destructive reports, while we call on all and sundry to verify information from credible sources and avoid sharing sensational and baseless claims targeted at causing discord.”
Blessing Ibunge
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