Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged residents to embrace peace, unity, and peaceful coexistence, saying these are essential for the state’s socioeconomic development.
Fubara made the call in a goodwill message to Nigerians and residents of Rivers State to commemorate the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The governor said the anniversary provided an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the nation’s journey since independence in 1960 and renew their commitment to building a peaceful and united society.
According to him, Rivers State, known as the “treasure base of the nation” and home to people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, has continued to make progress whenever its people work together in harmony.
He warned that meaningful development could not thrive in an atmosphere of rancour, division, and political hostility.
Fubara acknowledged that political differences were a normal feature of democratic governance but stressed that such differences should not be allowed to undermine the collective interest of Rivers State.
“We may disagree as politicians, but we must never disagree on the peace and progress of Rivers State,” the governor said.
He noted that his administration had, since assuming office, made peace a central pillar of its governance philosophy, describing peace as one of the most valuable forms of infrastructure any society could have.
According to Fubara, the relative peace in Rivers State has created an enabling environment for his administration to attract investments and execute development projects across the three senatorial districts.
He therefore appealed to youths, traditional rulers, political leaders, and other stakeholders to promote peace within their communities, wards, and local government areas.
The governor cautioned that no individual or group would benefit from instability in the state, urging Rivers residents to prioritise the collective interest and peaceful coexistence.
Fubara also called for continued cooperation between the state and Federal Government, urging Rivers people to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said cooperation between the Federal Government and sub-national governments remained important to the achievement of the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The governor congratulated Nigerians on the 66th Independence Anniversary and expressed hope that the occasion would strengthen the people’s commitment to peace, unity, and the continued development of Rivers State and Nigeria.
