Photo: Fubara with his estranged godfather and predecessor, Nyesom Wike
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Wednesday urged residents to remain calm amid rising political tensions, saying his administration would not be distracted or intimidated by what he described as “sounds of war.”
Speaking during a New Year crossover service at the Government House chapel in Port Harcourt, Fubara said his government would continue to prioritise prayer, restraint and dialogue over confrontation as it enters 2026.
Reflecting on the first two years of his tenure, the governor said the period was marked by internal challenges that slowed development but added that the state endured through “divine intervention and collective resilience.”
“We do not have the instrument of war; the only thing we have is our knees,” Fubara said. “Do not be troubled by the sounds of war you are hearing.”
He expressed optimism that 2026 would bring greater stability and faster development, urging residents to rise above political noise and intimidation. Drawing from a biblical reference to the prophet Elijah, he encouraged citizens to heed what he called the “still small voice” rather than threats or provocations.
Fubara also reaffirmed his commitment to political maturity in Rivers State, saying any support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections would be based on dialogue and mutual respect.
Earlier, Government House Chaplain Pastor Ogan Barasin, preaching on the theme “At Thy Word,” urged obedience to God in the new year, warning that delayed obedience could lead to delayed outcomes. He described 2026 as a year of “visible and tangible miracles” for those who trust and obey.
