Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed faith in the omnipotence of God to crush self-styled enemies of the state.
Governor Fubara spoke at the crossover church service held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Opobo Town in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area in the early moments of January 1.
He raised a gallantry song, with the brethren picking up the lines, and singing along: “At the mention of your name (God), every knee shall bow. At the mention of your name, every tongue confess. That you are Lord, you are Lord, you are King, you are King of kings.”
Governor Fubara, according to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, said the wordings of the song were not just consolatory but a charge to embolden the people to firm up their trust in God, who alone, can navigate the path to greater triumph in the New Year.
He said, “The red biro is still filled. It is still here with me. Every plan of the enemy will continue to crash,” and wished everyone a Happy New Year.
The Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Niger Delta, Dr Emmanuel Oko-Jaja, who conducted the service, recalled the many challenges, including conspiracy, blackmail, attacks, economic hardship, ill-health and near hopeless situations experienced in 2024, but quickly added that those troubles never overwhelmed the brethren.
Rt Rev Oko-Jaja said God hag given a new song of triumph to those who are grateful to Him for the marvellous works perfected in their lives, admonishing them that in the New Year, God would faithfully uphold, deliver and ensure that they continue to live victoriously. He prayed for the peace, unity, progress and accelerated development of the state in line with the key targets of the state government’s 2025 ‘Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development’.
Highlights of the service included praise and worship, choir ministration, which ushered in 2025 at midnight Tuesday with shouts of ‘Happy New Year’ renting the air.
Those who joined the governor in the service included the Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo; Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr Edison Ehie; some members of the National Assembly, Hon Awaji-Inombek Abiante; Hon Boma Goodhead; Hon Anderson Igbiks, and Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja.
Others were Senator Adawari Michael Pepple; former Inspector-General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro; Hon Theodore Georgewill; Dr Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja; members of the State Executive Council; some local government chairmen; elders; political leaders and key stakeholders in the state
