Governor Siminalayi Fubara declares Rivers State as one of Nigeria’s safest and most peaceful states.
Speaking while receiving the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria on a courtesy call at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt, on Thursday stressed that the state has a conducive environment for doing business.
The governor assured of his administration’s commitment to providing security and an enabling environment for people to live and do business in the state easily. He urged CAN to complement the government’s effort to promote peace and security in the state through ardent prayers.
He reiterated that Rivers is a Christian State and expressed gratitude over the unflinching support given to the previous administration by CAN and urged the association to partner with the new administration to consolidate the gains of development in the state.
“I feel happy that CAN is one of the first groups our administration meets with. This is to tell the world that Rivers is a Christian State. When we started our journey CAN was there, they stood with us in prayers, I sincerely thank the association on behalf of the government and people of Rivers State. We are going to continue to partner with CAN to move the state forward.”
The Governor urged the association not to use the pulpit as a platform for casting aspersions on government but rather should be constructive in their criticisms. He assured that his administration would give due consideration to the requests made by CAN, mainly dealing with providing office space and mobility.
He said some people were sceptical of a peaceful political transition in Rivers State but were proven wrong by the turnout of events as Rivers State has remained peaceful.
Fubara said all critical stakeholders needed to work towards solidifying the prevailing peace and security in Rivers State. He assured that his administration would embark on projects that would positively impact people’s lives.
“We are serious in everything we do. We will run a consultative government and get the input of all stakeholders to move the state forward. It’s our responsibility as a government to dispense good governance to the people and consolidate on the development already on ground”.
Earlier, Rivers State Chairman of CAN, Most Rev D. B Kaladokubo, who led the association on the courtesy call, said the visit was to felicitate Sir Fubara over his victory at the polls and emergence as the Governor of Rivers State.
“I wish to use this opportunity to thank God Almighty for a peaceful election in Rivers State and to specially congratulate Your Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on becoming the popular and overwhelming choice of the Rivers people as the Executive Governor of Rivers State.”
“We are convinced that your track record, your formidable background in public service and active professional and technical involvement in the last administration in the state, has equipped you sufficiently for the consolidation of the achievements of your predecessor, required to open more frontiers for further development of Rivers State.”
“We have no doubt that you are capable of dealing with the security situation in the state, providing an enabling environment for investors, and enhancing agricultural and commercial activities for all,” he noted.
The CAN Chairman applauded the Governor for obliging them to the visit. He pledged the continuous support and prayers of the association for the overall peace and development of Rivers State.
“Your resolve to work with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rivers State, and your declaration that the Rivers State is a Christian state, renewed the courage and resolution of Christians in the state to continue supporting your administration and Government in Rivers State.”
