Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday attended his first church service since his reinstatement to office

.Fubara, accompanied by his wife Valerie and key political stakeholders, worshipped at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church in Opobo, Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area.

Addressing the congregation, the governor urged them to remain prayerful as his administration “begins afresh,” stressing that prayers played a vital role in sustaining his government during the recent political turmoil.

Although the church was celebrating its 2025 Harvest of Divine Possibilities, Fubara clarified that his visit was a personal one, meant to quietly thank God for His faithfulness to his family, Rivers State, and Nigeria.

“There is nothing that matches God’s goodness except a quiet and pure-hearted worship,” he said, appreciating the church for its prayers, which he credited with averting disgrace and bringing divine intervention.

Coinciding with the International Day of Peace, the governor reminded the congregation and the state to embrace peace as they move forward.

The service featured a special prayer for the governor, his wife, and the state’s leadership, led by the church’s vicar, Venerable Emmanuel Nwuju.

Fubara, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), became governor on May 29, 2023, succeeding former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who was instrumental in his election.

Their relationship later soured over control of state structures, sparking a deep political crisis that split the House of Assembly, triggered impeachment moves, mass protests, and the burning of the Assembly complex.

The crisis led President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to impose a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025.

The president lifted the emergency on September 17, 2025, restoring democratic governance and directing Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule to resume duties the following day.

In celebration of the governor’s return, thousands of his supporters trooped to the Government House in Port Harcourt as early as 6 a.m. on Thursday to welcome him back.