RismadarVoice Reporters
October 1, 2026
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on residents of the state to embrace peace and unity, describing both as essential to sustainable social and economic development.
Fubara made the call in a goodwill message marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on Thursday.
The governor said the anniversary offered Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey since gaining independence in 1960 and renew their commitment to peaceful coexistence.
He described Rivers State as the “treasure base of the nation” and a melting pot of diverse ethnic nationalities, saying the state had always made progress when its people lived together in harmony.
Fubara stressed that meaningful development could not take place in an atmosphere of conflict, division and political hostility.
“We may disagree as politicians, but we must never disagree on the peace and progress of Rivers State,” the governor said.
He acknowledged that political differences were normal in a democracy but maintained that such disagreements should never be allowed to undermine the collective interests of the state.
Fubara said his administration had made peace a central part of its governance philosophy since assuming office, describing it as the “most invaluable infrastructure.”
According to the governor, the relative peace experienced in Rivers State had helped create an environment for attracting investments and implementing development projects across the state’s three senatorial districts.
He appealed to youths, traditional rulers, political leaders and other stakeholders to become ambassadors of peace in their communities, wards and local government areas.
Fubara stressed that no individual or group benefits when Rivers State is engulfed in crisis and urged stakeholders to prioritise dialogue, cooperation and peaceful resolution of disagreements.
The governor also called on Rivers residents to continue supporting the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu.
He said national unity and cooperation between the Federal Government and sub-national governments were critical to achieving the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Fubara congratulated Rivers residents and Nigerians across the country on the 66th Independence Anniversary and urged them to remain committed to peace, unity and collective development.
