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Fubara reveals why God allowed Rivers political crisis
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, says the political crisis in the state is divinely orchestrated to allow God to perfect His purpose in granting the state political freedom and economic growth.
Fubara stated this at the thanksgiving service to celebrate the appointment of His Royal Majesty, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, as the Chairman of Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council.
The service was held at the Shepard’s Hill Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) at Mgbuoba Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Sunday, where Governor Fubara was also presented with copies of the Holy Bible by the leadership of the parish.
The governor emphasised that it is because God is wholesomely involved, what people thought would have overwhelmed him and his team has rather been a disappointment, as the government is more energised in steering the affairs of the state.
Governor Fubara said his commitment to governance and belief in God is unwavering, as he depends on Him for wisdom, and direction to ensure that posterity reckons his administration as one that stood on the side of God.
He said, “I also believe that what you are calling trouble is not trouble to me. I see it as God’s purpose for a new direction for our State.
“He has taken us higher, right from the first day, which is why, rather than getting weak, we are getting stronger and bolder everyday.
“We want to finish our work, and our story will be those who led with the fear of God. We might not be perfect in everything, but in the end, there should be a reason why the angels should not allow our bodies to be taken by the devil.”
Governor Fubara pointed to the importance of thanksgiving to God because it brings assurance of abiding presence, and offers a clearer picture of what pathway to navigate through any situation.
He particularly expressed delight to have joined with the family of the royal father to present their thanksgiving to God, as according to him, it aligns with the commitment of his administration.
He noted the energy with which Eze Chike Worlu Wodo had danced in gratitude before God, and likened it to how King David in the Bible danced before God without being ashamed.
“It is one of the credits that made God to love King David so much. He glorified God in a special way. He was not ashamed, and God loved him. I am happy and honestly speaking, I am really humbled that at this age and as a traditional ruler, you still reverence God highly. God will continue to lift you above human imagination.
“I am happy being in the presence of God today, more especially worshipping in one of the living churches in Nigeria and the world.
“I have to say that there is nothing as important like thanking God. Even when the situation looks unclear, thanksgiving brings assurance and a clearer picture of the situation.
“And I join this family this morning to thank God with you and to assure our people that because God is what we have kept in front, our story will end in praises.”
Governor Fubara enjoined the church to continue to pray for his administration and the entire peace of the State without relenting.
He insisted that things might look tough from a physical perspective, but God does not work like men. His purpose will prevail, notwithstanding the time it takes.
“And the secret of our administration is just one thing: your prayers. The quiet and secret prayers that you give for us in your closets count.
“I can tell you, there is no prayer that God does not answer. It is like depositing money in the bank. So, I want to thank you, assure you that we will continue to uphold the fear of God in everything we do. We can assure you that,” he stated.
Governor Fubara donated ₦100 million to the church to support their work of evangelism, which will serve as a memorial in honour of Eze Chike Worlu Wodo in the parish.
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Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media and Public Communications to Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has responded to the recent appointment of Bashir Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.).
Olayinka took to X (formerly Twitter) to address discussions surrounding this leadership transition. His post aimed to clarify that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not dismiss Mele Kyari, a northerner, to replace him with a southerner, as some speculated. Instead, Olayinka pointed out that Ojulari, like Kyari, hails from the northern region of Nigeria.
According to Olayinka’s post on his official X account, he emphasised that Bashir Ojulari is from Kwara State, located in North Central Nigeria. Additionally, the new Board Chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, originates from Borno State in the North East.
His post stated: “Bashir Ojulari, the new NNPCL CEO, is a northerner from Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. The new Board Chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, is also a northerner, from Borno State, North East Nigeria.”
Olayinka’s statement came in response to narratives suggesting that the appointment was politically motivated to favour one region over another.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has strongly condemned the extrajudicial killing of 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State, while warning against retaliatory violence targeting Southerners in Northern Nigeria.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, MBF Spokesman Luka Binniyat denounced inflammatory threats from individuals claiming to represent Northern interests in response to the killings.
Recalled that the victims, were allegedly armed hunters, traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano when they were attacked by a mob that accused them of being kidnappers.
“The MBF strongly condemns the unlawful killing of any Nigerian citizen, including those who lost their lives in Uromi,” the statement read. “However, we categorically reject any attempt to use this tragic incident as a pretext to unleash violence against Southerners residing in Northern Nigeria.”
The forum assured that the Middle Belt would not become a battleground for reprisals, emphasizing that it remains a safe haven for all law-abiding Nigerians. It urged community leaders and youths to remain vigilant and prevent any attempts to instigate violence, calling for anyone with such intentions to be handed over to authorities.
The MBF also reaffirmed its commitment to justice for all victims of violence across Nigeria. The statement highlighted the ongoing security challenges facing Middle Belt communities, citing persistent attacks by armed herdsmen with little government intervention.
” We hope that the swift response to the Uromi killings would serve as a precedent for broader action against criminal elements terrorizing the region.
“Thousands of our people remain in captivity, and vast portions of our land are still under the control of violent outlaws—primarily Fulani militants,” the statement noted.
“Justice must be served across the board.”
The MBF concluded by reiterating its support for the ongoing investigation into the Uromi incident and calling for a fair and decisive crackdown on all forms of criminality across the country.
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Deputy Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Kabir Ibrahim kware, has commended governor Ahmed Aliyu for executing numerous developmental projects without taking loan from any financial institution.
Ibrahim Kware whp gave the commendation when he led other members of the State Assembly on Sallah homage to governor Aliyu, added that, the governor is very prudent in managing resources to achieve results.
“There was never a time you approached us with a request for permission to borrow money from any financial institutions whether at home or abroad,”he affirmed.
This , according to him, is worthy of commendation considering the myriad people- oriented projects the governor is executing across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the State’s Judiciary, Sokoto State Chief Judge, Justice Muhammad Sa’idu Sifawa, commended the governor for the construction of additional Court rooms at the State High Court.
Justice Sifawa also expressed delight over the way and manner the governor responds to issues affecting the Judiciary, which he said, is a clear testimony of the good working relationship existing between the three arms of government in the state.
Responding to the commendations, governor Ahmed Aliyu appealed for more synergy among the three tiers of government in the overall development of the state.
A statement by Abubakar Bawa, the Press Secretary to governor Alhmed Aliyu reaffirmed his principal’s unwavering commitment of the executive arm to providing the direly needed dividends of democracy to the people of the state,in line with his campaign promises.
The governor also urged lawmakers to present all the needs of their constituencies for prompt and diligent implementation.
“”I want to assure you that my doors are always open for you at any given time, to listen to the demands of your people.”
He reminded them on the need to put politics aside and work together with the executive arm for the progress and even development of the people they represent.
Turning to the members of the State Judiciary, the governor appealed to Judges and Khadis to ensure the quick dispensation of justice, so as to decongest the correctional centres.
“It is worrisome to see how inmates are languishing in correctional centres for minor offences in the name of awaiting trial.
“We recently appointed seven additional Judges and 7 Khadis, which is the first in the history of Sokoto State.
“The idea is to enhance the manpower in our Judiciary so as to speed up the dispensation of justice,” he added.
The governor further assured the members of the Judiciary of his administration’s readiness to ensure their welfare at all times.