Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, has said the reason for the sustained peace in the state was because he drew strength from God to resist insults thrown at him.
This, he said, included other frustrating attempts by disgruntled persons who sought to destroy his government by plunging the state into unending crisis.
He spoke yesterday when he received a delegation of members of the Bishops and Gospel Ministers’ Association International Incorporated, Rivers State Chapter, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Fubara said because he has anchored his government on promoting peace, the enabling atmosphere has been provided for investments and sustainable development to flourish.
Represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, Fubara said while most people took his meekness for weakness, his stance on peace has enhanced harmonious atmosphere as residents slept with their two eyes closed, and investors and shareholders happy with the returns on investment.
“Before, what they hear of Rivers State is that they are fighting, and some genuine investors will not come. Some people even ask you: How are you coping in Rivers State?
“But now the governor has brought about a lot of changes in the state. One of the most important things is that he has changed the negative narrative. It is no longer Rivers of blood. It is now Rivers of peace.
“We are enjoying our lives here. Why? Because there is a change in the narrative. We have peace. The governor is, as much as possible, absorbing any level of insult at him only for one purpose: that Rivers State may have peace; that we may grow; that this state will experience genuine development.”
