Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged residents of the state not to be afraid amid reports suggesting an emerging political crisis in Rivers State.
The governor gave the reassurance in his New Year message delivered shortly after the crossover service at the Government House Chapel of Everlasting Grace in Port Harcourt.
Fubara expressed optimism that 2026 would bring better prospects for Rivers State and its people, assuring that his administration was entering the new year with renewed confidence and resilience.
He said his reliance was not on “the instruments of war,” but on prayer, calling on residents to remain calm and steadfast.
Reflecting on the past two years of his administration, the governor described the period as challenging.
He, however, said his government was moving into the new year with hope and faith.
Fubara acknowledged that not all expectations had been met within the last two years but insisted that the state would witness progress and development in the year ahead.
He reaffirmed his commitment to leadership founded on faith, perseverance and service to the people.
The governor also expressed confidence in the nation’s political future, stating that President Bola Tinubu would emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election.
Fubara’s New Year message comes against the backdrop of comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who on Wednesday declared that the Rivers State governor would not be re-elected in the 2027 governorship election, insisting that the state’s reported ₦600 billion financial war chest would not guarantee victory.
Wike accused his estranged political protégé of violating agreements reached during a peace and reconciliation meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu in June, describing the governor’s actions as a breach of trust that had worsened the political crisis in the state.
The minister made the remarks during a ‘thank-you’ visit to Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he warned that political power could not be sustained solely through control of state resources.
Meanwhile, Fubara on Tuesday also came under criticism from the Rivers State House of Assembly after lawmakers returned ₦100,000 credited to their personal bank accounts, describing the payments as unsolicited and unapproved.
In a statement signed by Hon. Enemi George, the Assembly said the funds were credited on December 30, 2025, following directives from Governor Siminalayi Fubara, without legislative approval.
The House said members immediately returned the money to the Rivers State Government’s account upon discovering the transfers.
The Rivers State Government, however, explained that the ₦100,000 annual Christmas bonus was paid to all civil and public office holders in the state without discrimination.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, said the bonus was disbursed across board to workers and pensioners captured on the state government’s payroll system.
In a related development, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers State Council, commended Governor Fubara for approving and paying the 2025 Christmas bonus to civil and public servants, including pensioners.
In a statement by the NLC Chairperson in the state, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, the union said the payment demonstrated the governor’s continued commitment to workers’ welfare since assuming office.
The NLC noted that the Christmas bonus would enhance the purchasing power of workers and pensioners, enabling them to celebrate the festive season meaningfully with their families.
