The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called on residents of the state to embrace peace, unity and peaceful coexistence, describing them as essential pillars for socioeconomic development.
Fubara made the call in a goodwill message to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on Thursday, October 1, 2026, urging Rivers people to reflect on the country’s journey since independence in 1960 and renew their commitment to national unity.
The governor said peace and unity remained critical to building a prosperous society, stressing that sustainable development could only thrive in an atmosphere of harmony, mutual understanding and cooperation among the people.
According to him, Rivers State, widely regarded as the “treasure base of the nation” because of its contribution to Nigeria’s economy, has continued to benefit from the peaceful coexistence of its diverse ethnic nationalities.
He noted that the state’s cultural and ethnic diversity should be seen as a source of strength rather than division, urging residents to preserve the spirit of togetherness necessary for collective progress.
Fubara warned that no meaningful development could take place in an environment characterised by rancour, division and political hostility, adding that peace was indispensable to the effective delivery of democratic dividends.
The governor acknowledged that political disagreements were normal in a democratic society but cautioned political actors against allowing their differences to undermine the collective interest of Rivers State.
“We may disagree as politicians, but we must never disagree on the peace and progress of Rivers State,” he stated.
He stressed that the overriding responsibility of political leaders should be to protect the interests of the people and ensure that political competition did not threaten the stability and development of the state.
The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to peace as a fundamental principle of governance, describing it as the most invaluable infrastructure required for development.
According to him, the relative peace enjoyed in the state has created an enabling environment for his administration to attract investments and implement development projects across the three senatorial districts.
He maintained that maintaining a peaceful atmosphere would strengthen economic activities, encourage investors and support the implementation of programmes aimed at improving the welfare of residents.
Fubara said the benefits of peace extended beyond government activities, noting that communities, businesses and individuals stood to gain when there was stability and cooperation across the state.
He therefore appealed to youths, traditional rulers, political leaders and other stakeholders to take responsibility for promoting peace in their respective communities, wards and local government areas.
The governor urged traditional institutions and community leaders to use their positions to encourage dialogue, tolerance and peaceful conflict resolution, particularly among young people.
He also called on political leaders to demonstrate restraint and place the collective interests of Rivers State above personal and partisan considerations.
Fubara warned that no individual or group would benefit from a crisis in the state, stressing that instability could undermine development efforts and deprive residents of opportunities for economic advancement.
He urged residents to reject actions capable of creating divisions and instead work together to sustain an environment where government programmes and private-sector investments could flourish.
The governor further called on the people of Rivers State to support the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasising the importance of cooperation between the federal and state governments in advancing national development.
He noted that national unity and effective collaboration between the different tiers of government were critical to achieving the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, cooperation between the federal and sub-national governments would help strengthen development efforts and create opportunities to improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
Fubara’s message comes as Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, commemorating the country’s attainment of sovereignty from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.
He urged Rivers residents to use the anniversary as an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to peace, unity and the continued development of the state and the country.