President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on the occasion of his 50th birthday.
The President praised Governor Fubara’s contributions to governance in Rivers State, commending his efforts to foster growth and development in the region.
Acknowledging the importance of unity and harmony, President Tinubu encouraged the governor to prioritize initiatives that promote peace as a cornerstone for sustainable progress.
In his message, which was made available to the media in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President lauded Fubara’s dedication to public service and urged him to remain steadfast in his commitment to bringing people together, resolving differences, and building an environment conducive to progress for the people of Rivers State.
“As you celebrate this milestone, I commend your dedication to the service of your people. Governance thrives where peace reigns. I encourage you to continue working tirelessly to bring people together, resolve differences, and create an environment where progress can flourish for the benefit of all Rivers people,” the President said.
President Tinubu wished the governor continued wisdom, strength, and success in his leadership journey, expressing hope for even greater achievements in the years to come.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has declared that he will not be drunk with power or allow the associated advantages and benefits that come with holding a lofty position in government to change him.
The governor assured that he would remain committed to his vows made to Rivers people when he got their mandate, to completely put things in place that would transform the state.
Fubara made the remark when some leaders, elders and critical stakeholders of the state paid him a visit to celebrate his 50th birthday at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday morning.
The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, explained that he had never subscribed to celebrating birthdays but seeing leaders of the state gather to celebrate him pulled out tears of joy from his eyes.
Fubara said: “I want to say that I will still be the Fubara that you know; power will not change me. I will still make sure that what I hold dear in life remains, which is God and my respect for people. I will continue to maintain it.
“Power will come, power will go, but I will still remain the Fubara that you know. With your support, that Rivers State that we all yearn for, we will definitely, even if we don’t get it completely, we will put those things in place that will channel and drive us to that Rivers State with your support.
“That is the only thing that I know I can assure you. I will not do anything, act in any manner that will bring disgrace to myself or to everyone of you that have decided and ready to sacrifice everything for us.
“This morning is a birthday morning. It is not a morning to discuss politics. It is a morning to say I am happy, I am 50 years, according to you. But the most important thing is: I am celebrating my Golden Jubilee. It means that I have joined the league of the old men from today.”
Fubara, on behalf of his wife, Lady Valerie and family, expressed gratitude to God for divine grace, and thanked all the leaders who made sacrifices to be in attendance so early to wish him well.
In his remark, former Governor of Rivers State, Celestine Omehia, thanked God for installing Fubara, saying he had become a deliverer of the state and its people from the hands of those bent on destroying Rivers.
He said it was worthwhile to celebrate such a patient and meticulous leader, loved by all Nigerians on his 50th birthday because he had continued to prioritise the interest of the state and protect it.
Omehia recounted the strength of faith in God that Governor Fubara had demonstrated, enjoyed divine direction in governance, and pledged the continued support of Rivers people to ensure the success of his administration.
In his speech, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, said regardless of who a kingmaker is, as soon as the king is crowned, such person must give way to the king to perform his duties.
Secondus said amidst the brewing crisis, Rivers people and Nigerians had come to admire and love the character of steel, fear and total trust in God that Fubara had demonstrated, including forging unity, and inclusivity.
Highlights of the event were prayers by the clergy for the Governor, his administration and the State; a toast; the cutting of the 50th Birthday cake by the governor, who was supported by his wife; presentation of gifts to the governor; rendition of special birthday songs; and a special birthday party organised by the elders and stakeholders to celebrate the Liberator of Rivers people at 50.
Later in the morning, members of the State Executive Council, local government council chairmen, permanent secretaries, government house staff, service commanders and many others visited the governor to wish him a glorious birthday, and presented gifts to celebrate his Golden Jubilee birthday.
The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has regretted that the state-owned fire stations were left in limbo for 12 years.
Speaking after inspecting the ongoing rehabilitation of the three major fire stations in the state by his administration, Fubara said when completed the stations would be ready for rapid and quick response to emergencies.
Fubara in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, said the fire stations were left in deplorable conditions while the state depended on facilities owned by multinationals to fight fire disasters.
The governor visited the stations located beside the Isaac Boro Park/Mile One flyover, Borokiri in the old Port Harcourt Township and Rumuodomaya Community, all in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.
Fubara explained that with the ongoing work, the three major Fire Service Stations would be put to effective state to provide rapid and quick response to fire incidents in the state.
He said: “For a very long time, we have had this situation that we have to depend on the multi-nationals; Shell, Agip and Chevron and even (Elf) TotalEnergies at that time, including to respond to fire incidents in the State.
“From what we have seen today, we can confirm that the contractor is working very hard to meet the deadline. We must, I repeat, we must commission this project first week in March.”
Fubara said it was the responsibility of government to have such facilities that provided vital social services to the people to address fire incidence when they occur.
He assured that his administration was reversing the utter neglect such social services had suffered, and ensure that Rivers people would in no distant future begin to benefit from the stations.
Fubara said: “As a matter of fact, I can boldly say that Rivers State has not had a functional Fire Service for the past 12 years. We are a government, and amongst our responsibilities, is to protect lives and property. Issues of fire incidents could be as a result of some mistakes in our homes.
“So, it is our duty to make sure that we are prepared to combat it whenever it occurs. We are trying to make sure that we do not depend again on the multi-nationals, but be ready and prepared to save lives and property of Rivers people”.
Fubara was accompanied by Dr Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, former Commissioner for Water Resources; and was conducted round the facilities by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Samuel Anya.
The governor’s declaration came in the wake of his prolonged feud with his predecessor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Fubara made the statement during his condolence visit to Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, at the Government House on Saturday evening, over the demise of his stepmother, Hauwa Duguri, who passed on in the wake of the new year.
Speaking during the visit, Fubara noted that although the visit came a bit late, what matters is the strong relationship between them and their shared commitment to addressing issues.
“I know this visit is a bit late, but the most important thing is that we are here. We are here to comfort the Bauchi governor on the loss of his mother,” he said.
Addressing the governor, Fubara acknowledged the challenges that comes with leadership and stressed the importance of stepping up when necessary.
“I know it’s not an easy task, and I know names will be called. But it gets to a time when you come out strongly and take a position so that things will be done rightly,” he said.
The Rivers governor stressed the significance of his visit, noting that it goes beyond mere condolences.
“What I’m doing now is to show everyone that we have a good relationship and that we are in this together to make sure we work to set those things that are wrong right,” he stated.
The governor also assured that his collaboration with Governor Mohammed would not end with the visit, pledging continuous partnership for the unity and growth of both states.
“I can assure you that this is not the end of our visit. We will continue to work together for the unity and growth of both states,” he added.
Responding, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, described Fubara as a calculative and strategic leader, commending his ability to hold his ground and take charge of the political structure in Rivers State despite the tensions.
This is as Mohammed reaffirmed his support for leaders who stand for justice and equity.
He said: “We are delighted to receive you. Fubara is very calculative and strategic.
“First of all, I want to thank you for the empathy you have shown.
“Your visit has truly made me happy.”
Governor Muhammed, who doubles as the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), assured his PDP counterpart that Bauchi State will continue to stand firmly with him.
“Bauchi has always stood by you because you mean well. We will always align ourselves with justice, equity and truth, which is why we will continue to support you,” he said.
“We must also congratulate you on your determination and dexterity in claiming what is rightfully yours, taking control of the party’s structure in your state, and assuming the leadership role,” he added.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently meeting with a delegation of Ogoni leadership at the State House, Abuja.
The meeting, which commenced at about 2:37 pm with the arrival of President Tinubu, has the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, traditional rulers, clergy and political leaders, in attendance.
The meeting, which has been discussed amongst other groups at the different levels, is expected to discuss issues around possible resumption of oil exploration activities in the Ogoni oil fields and the progress so far made on clean up activities.
The federal government had expressed concern over years of stoppage of oil exploration by the International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Ogoniland, Rivers State.
The Managing Director Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Samuel Ogbuku on behalf of the FG noted that stand-offs in the face of growing energy crisis occasioned by the removal of oil subsidy by the federal government has robbed the nation of vital Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the years.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, joined the meeting after the meeting has commenced.
Among those at the meeting are Senator Magnus Abe, Senator Lee Maeba, Olaka Nwogu, Chief Victor Giadom, Chief Kenneth Kobani, Monsignor Pius Kii, Leedom Mitee, as well as Senators Bennett Birabi Barry. Mpigi and Joe Poroma, Leedom Mitee, Gabriel Piidomson, among others.
Those who joined the meeting on the side of government include National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited NNPCL, Mele Kyari, the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Tosin Ajayi
Unless leaders of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) do what is necessary, regaining political relevance might remain a mirage for the party, Rivers State Governor Siminialayi Fubara, has said.
He blamed the crisis rocking the party on the leaders, who he said “are putting the cart before the horse”.
Fubara, who spoke at the weekend when the PDP Youth Wing, led by its Chairman Jamilu Kalsingi, visited him at the Government House, Port Harcourt, admitted that the PDP remains in precarious situation.
Insisting that the leaders must do the proper thing before the party could regain its glory, the governor said: “First, I understand the enthusiasm of every one of you here; that what you want is to see that our party regains its glory in the affairs of things in the country.
“It is the right thing, and if we have to get it done, those things that need to be put in place properly, we as a party must first of all do those things.
“But unfortunately, we found ourselves in a precarious situation where we are putting the cart before the horse rather than the horse before the cart.
“So, it is a problem. But when the youths have decided to take this very serious issue into their hands, I believe that the elders of the party at this point will understand that it is important for us to look into the issues affecting the growth and unity of our party.”
Fubara told his guests that his government was doing everything possible to keep the true soul of the party alive. He said there were others in the state, who claimed to be in the party whereas they belonged to ‘APDP’.
Fubara, however, admitted that his government took some desperate measures to stabilise governance in the state, saying those actions did not mean that they were no longer true members of the party.
The governor urged his loyalists to contest the local government poll under the auspices of the Action People’s Party (APP), following the boycott of the election by the PDP.
He said: “On our own part we are doing our best to make sure that the true soul of the party is kept alive. And when I say the true sole you understand that we are not adulterated, we are the true PDP.
“We have some sets here, who might claim that they are PDP or what do you call them, APDP. But ours, we still remain PDP, we are doing everything to make sure that we still stand.
“We had some cases where our loyalty were being questioned, but desperate situations also require desperate measures.
“Maybe, a few things we must have done in the cause of ensuring that we continue with governance doesn’t mean that we are not in PDP. But we must ensure that we allow our government to move on.”
Fubara appealed to everyone to believe in one Nigeria and avoid actions that could destabilise the country while trying to fight for the party
He said: “I will appeal to everyone that as much as we are trying to come together to fight and ensure that our party regains its place it will also be proper that we don’t burn the house that we already have. And that house I mean is the country.
“We will try as much as we can (every one of us) to do what we need to do to ensure that the house still remains; because if the house does not remain, I wonder what you will be coming to claim. We must work together to protect it.
“Keep aside our ethnic and religious differences and understand that the success of this country belongs to every one of us, it doesn’t matter the language, or the colour or where you are found, but what is important is for all to come together.
“When it comes to politics, our differences will come but we must make sure that the sole of the country survives, so we must come together and work as one. Some people may call it one Nigeria, we must therefore believe in one Nigeria not sectional Nigeria.”
Kalsingi congratulated the governor on the recent court judgment in Rivers, describing it as a victory for Nigerian youths.
He said the Bauchi State Governor and Chairman, PDP’s Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, had informed them about the sacrifices and struggles Fubara was making to salvage the party.
He said the Rivers governor was not fighting for himself alone but for the future of the country, claiming that the people were relying on the PDP to save the country from the ruling party.
Kalsingi noted that the opposition must get its acts together for the task ahead.
Rivers state governor, Siminialayi Fubara, has advised the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, to avoid partisan politics.
Fubara, who spoke while receiving Adepoju in Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday, told the CP to shun nocturnal meetings aimed at using him to declare war in the state.
Fubara said: “You are not new to our State. You have been here, especially in charge of operations. You said something that I would like to emphasize. Your duty, as it stands now, is to work with the government and other sister agencies to maintain law and order and protect the lives and properties of the people of Rivers State.
“Don’t be political; be apolitical, as you just read in your speech. Don’t attend nocturnal meetings in people’s houses at night and then, in the morning, come out and declare war in Rivers State. That is the only advice I will give to you”.
Fubara told Adepoju that his new position came through divine providence and not about people, who might claim that they nominated him.
“I use the term ‘special honour’ because it’s not about the people you know or who might claim they nominated or didn’t nominate you. At the end of the day, it is only what God wants that happens”.
The governor said his government would continue to support Adepoju to ensure his success in the state insisting that his success in Rivers would mean his elevation.
He said: “If you leave a bad record here, it will one day affect your growth in the course of your profession. We will not ask you to do anything unprofessional. I have never done that before, and I will not do it in your time.
“However, I appeal to you to just be a professional police officer, as you have stated here. Let me also assure your team that your predecessors succeeded because of our support, and we also want you to succeed so that the peace we are enjoying in this state will continue.
“You are not a greenhorn here; you already know the terrain. You’ve been operating here. The major challenges we have presently are issues of cultism and kidnapping, especially in the outskirts of town.
“Come with your own plan, and we will give you all the necessary support to ensure these particular crimes are quelled. These are the two areas I would like you to focus on”.
The governor noted that his government had been working with other security agencies to tackle the two challenges but insisted that they were the primary responsibilities of the police.
While requesting the police boss to make every effort within his government to reduce the crimes, he called on him to attend every function of the government.
He said: “I must point out that the immediate past Commissioner of Police wasn’t attending our events—he was hiding. So please, don’t hide. Attend every function.
“The police is the only security agency that ought to work closely with the government, so work with me to ensure Rivers State succeeds—not just for me, as my tenure is limited, but for the survival and success of the State, which is the most important thing.
“I solicit your support and assure you that, on our part, we will do everything within our powers to ensure your success”.
Earlier, Adepoju, who is the 47th Commissioner of Police in Rivers, expressed his appreciation to the leadership and hospitality of Fubara.
He said he came with unwavering commitment to work tirelessly and collaboratively to ensure the safety, security and peace of every citizen in Rivers adding that he was fully aware of the complex security challenges in Rivers
He said: “Let me assure you Your Excellency, Sir that under my leadership the Rivers State Police command will confront these challenges with determination and innovation.
“We will strengthen our intelligence gathering capabilities, enhance our rapid response mechanism, and most importantly foster deeper trust and collaborations with the communities that we serve.
“Our command will remain firmly apolitical, standing as neutral and impartial institution, dedicated solely to upholding law and order. This commitment is vital to maintaining the trust and confidence of the people we protect.
“While we will engage constructively with political leaders and key stakeholders to secure necessary resources and support, our engagement will always be conducted with professionalism and integrity”.
He commended Fubara for his constant support for the command saying without the governor’s gestures it would not have been easy to provide the desired security.
Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, has directed the immediate release of N50 million solely to the widows of fallen heroes in the state as part of his celebration of Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Fubara, who addressed guests, legionnaires, and members of the armed forces who gathered for the occasion, stated that the money would enable the widows to address pressing issues such as school fees and house rents and to support their businesses.
He mentioned that the ceremony was to reflect on and celebrate the bravery of veterans, whose dedication safeguarded the nation’s territorial integrity and preserved its sovereignty.
The governor highlighted the country’s past and present security challenges, including internal threats from terrorism and armed insurgency, and commended the armed forces for standing firm and defending the country.
He observed that despite the ongoing ceremony, many servicemen and women remained on the front lines, courageously combating insurgencies and other security threats.
He remarked that such ongoing battles come at a tremendous cost, as thousands of soldiers have paid the supreme price, and many others returned with life-altering injuries.
He asserted that only the brave could forsake the comfort of family and home to protect the lives and freedom of millions, adding that without their heroism, the country would not continue to enjoy peace and freedom.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in prioritising the welfare of the Nigerian Armed Forces and pledged his loyalty, support, and collaboration.
He said: “But beyond our words of tribute, this day reminds us of our responsibility towards you and your families, especially the widows, children, and aged parents left behind by those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“As a government, we remain committed to the welfare and well-being of the Nigerian armed forces, both serving and retired and their families. In Rivers State, we have fulfilled past promises to the Nigerian Legion, and we will continue to implement targeted policies and programmes to improve their living conditions.
“Furthermore, we will prioritise the inclusion of families of our fallen heroes in our social welfare and investment programmes. May I also use this opportunity to call on well-meaning citizens and private organisations to extend their support to these families, helping them overcome the economic challenges they often face.
“I commend our Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his efforts in modernising and prioritising the welfare of the Nigerian Armed Forces. We assure him of our continued loyalty, support, and collaboration.
“The peace and security of our nation remain a collective responsibility. Let us all work together to support our armed forces and security agencies in overcoming the challenges we face and ensuring that every corner of our country is peaceful and secure.
“I call on every citizen to rally around our armed forces and work together to strengthen our national unity. We must ensure that every section of our country feels included and valued, fostering a stronger and more cohesive Nigeria.
“I won’t end this address without remembering the widows of the fallen heroes. To that effect, I, on behalf of the government and the good people of Rivers State, pledge the sum of N50 million solely for the welfare of the widows.
“This sum shall be redeemed tomorrow to enable them to handle pressing issues such as school fees, and house rents, and to support their businesses, as well as other sundry matters. It is our modest way of appreciating the sacrifices made by their departed ones.”
In his remarks, the Acting State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State chapter, ACC Kuu Promise, thanked Fubara for sponsoring the occasion and supporting the welfare of veterans in the state. He described the governor’s gestures as the major lifeline for the livelihood and sustenance of their children in schools.
Promise appealed to the governor to assist legionnaires in locating their office within the Isaac Boro Park Military Cenotaph, the memorial ground where the fallen heroes are honoured annually.
Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, has called on religious bodies particularly the Anglican churches to stop allowing politicians including himself from using their pulpits to abuse others.
Fubara said: “Let me also appeal to all the religious bodies in this state, please your pulpit should be a place to talk about progress and the unity of the people of Rivers State.
“It should not be yielded to people to cast aspersions or abuse others and say all sorts of things. And it is worrisome in the house of God. I appeal to you. I can say that it is not experienced in the Catholic Church, but worse in my own church the Anglican Church with due respect. You need to stop it including myself or any other person”.
Fubara spoke on Sunday at the Interdenominational Thanksgiving Mass in commemoration of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day,
The governor said his administration would no longer dissipate its energy remembering only fallen heroes and their dependants, but would lay emphasis on the living, who continued to survive because of deliberate government policies and efforts of good people in the state.
He said: “It is unfortunate, the purpose of this programme is remembrance. But I want to say that our government will not be a government that will put its energy only remembering the fallen heroes and heroines, those who died in the cause of defending this country and their widows, but to also support strongly those people that they left behind.
“So that the remembering after this time will not be for just those who lost their lives, but those who are also living will be remembered because of what the government and the good people of Rivers State did for them.
“So, I want to change the narrative a bit, let it not just be for those widows and those, who are casualties of the survival of Nigeria but let it also be people that should be remembered that government took the right decision for them and they grew, develop to be something great in our country”.
The governor thanked God that his administration was marking another year of Armed Forces Remembrance Day better and stronger than it did last year because of crisis.
He assured the legionnaires and the Armed Forces that his government would continue to do its best to protect the lives of the people and to take their welfare seriously.
The governor promised to fulfill all the promises he made to the group insisting that they should not just be remembered after their deaths.
Fubara said: “This year is a special one, special because God has been with us. He has kept us in several ways and promised us that there will be total peace in our state. And our projection for the year will be as declared inclusive growth and development especially on human capital development.
“We can only achieve this in an environment of peace, law and order. That is exactly where the security agencies come in. We want to appeal to you, we do not care what means of your appointment, we are not bothered about your ethnic group.
“What we request from you is to consider the interest of this state, which is more important. Ensure that if anything goes wrong in this state it affects Nigeria. So, work as a professional to support us to make sure that those things that we ought to do and do rightly are done for the interest of the good people of Rivers State and Nigeria at large”.
Fubara observed that the wreath laying would be on January 15 and promised that his government would do its part to leave another good memory for members of the legionnaire.
On why his government still remained strong, he said: “Let me on this note thank everyone of you for your prayers especially our religious fathers. It is only God, I keep saying.
“Though some people say God doesn’t work but while we pray, we also watch. And if you don’t pray, your watch is in vain. So, we thank you for all your prayers and your prayers have directed us to watch aright that is why we are still standing strong”.
In his homily, Reverend Pius Kii, emphasised the importance of remembering people for their deeds noting that the fallen heroes sacrificed their lives to keep the nation one and peaceful.
“Today, we remember the veterans who gave their lives to keep us safe and secure. Some of them were injured and suffer from post traumatic disorder. At this prayerful celebration we remember their families”, he said.
He said Fubara would be remembered for all his good work in Rivers especially in restoring hope to the people through his welfare packages to the civil servants.
Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has hailed the emergence of Sen. John Mbata as the President -General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), recalls that Mbata, who represented Rivers East zone from 1999 to 2007, emerged via consensus at the election.Mbata was elected at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo General Assembly meeting, which was held on Friday at the Old Government Lodge in Enugu.
With the election, Mbata would succeed Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, who was appointed to complete the tenure of the late Emmanuel lwuanyanwu from Imo state.
Fubara, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Nelson Chukwudi in Port Harcourt on Saturday , stated that Mbata’s victory was a testament of his wide acceptance across the aisle.
The governor stated that the delegates’ votes showed confidence of members of the socio-cultural organisation in Mbata’s ability to provide the needed leadership to move the Ohanaeze Ndigbo forward at this time.
Fubara, therefore, extended his best wishes to Mbata and expressed hope that he would succeed as he discharged the duties of furthering national cohesion, fostering friendly cooperation based on mutual trust and respect within the Igbos and among non-Igbos.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Rivers , I once again congratulate you and assure you of our readiness to work with you toward maintaining and preserving national unity and cohesion,” Fubara stated.
