Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has emphasized that the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State revolves around the control of state resources. Speaking at the 51st birthday celebration of Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries Worldwide, on Sunday at the church’s headquarters in Mbodo, Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area, Fubara pledged to use state resources solely for the benefit of the people.
“There is a reason for this crisis, and that reason is the control of the resources of Rivers State. Rivers State’s resources belong to you (the people), and we will make sure that the resources are applied judiciously for the betterment of Rivers State,” the governor said, highlighting his commitment to responsible governance.
He continued, “What you owe us is just one thing: Continue to pray for us. Let us not lose focus because we know the devil is always at war to derail people in governance. Continue to pray for us because what is most important is the interest of the people here, and I believe that with your prayers, we will not lose focus and the purpose of governance will be achieved in Rivers State.”
Governor Fubara also took the opportunity to commend Apostle Chinyere for his extensive charitable work and dedication to supporting the community through various educational initiatives. He praised Chinyere’s focus on vocational and technical training for children, noting that it equips them with skills necessary for future employment.
“I want to commend you for your actions. Life is not all about taking. What is important in life is giving, and anybody who believes that it is only taking, the person won’t go far in life,” Fubara said, adding, “For all you are doing for humanity, God will continue to strengthen you. You don’t know what you are doing, but those of us who are outside understand your contributions to humanity.”
Pointing to the decline in public educational facilities, Fubara expressed admiration for the private initiatives undertaken by Apostle Chinyere, saying, “Look at what you just showed me here. How many of our schools are still functioning to provide that level of training? They are no longer there! We met a dead system which we are trying to revive. But you are doing it as a private person. Why won’t God bless you?”
As a gesture of support, Governor Fubara announced a donation of N200 million from the Rivers State government to assist with the church’s infrastructure projects, including a new facility for Omega Power Ministries’ TV station, which aims to accommodate guests attending the ministry’s events.
“Let me say congratulations to this church because the GO’s power will not succeed without your support. So, I want to thank you for supporting Power,” Fubara declared. “I am happy to be here, especially to celebrate this birthday with him. He has been a very strong supporter of our cause. Right from the time when we started this journey, he has kept faith with me in his prayers.”
The governor expressed his belief that these prayers have helped him withstand challenges, saying, “I strongly believe his prayer and the prayers of the church are one of the reasons that while in the face of all our troubles, we are still standing. There is nothing God cannot do. So, I know that with your continuous prayers, we will overcome this present challenge.”
Fubara also acknowledged Apostle Chinyere’s dedication to uplifting vulnerable youth, especially through the establishment of a free technical college for girls.
The governor said, “Power has injected my power into you. So, I need more power, more power for the progress of Rivers State, more power for the defence of humanity in Rivers State. God will bless you people for your prayers, and I assure you, we will not fail you.”
Earlier at the event, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, commended Apostle Chinyere, describing him as “a beacon of hope, strength, restoration, and spiritual guidance” for many in Rivers State and beyond. She also encouraged continued prayers for peace and progress in Rivers State.
In his remarks, Apostle Chinyere highlighted the importance of charity in the Christian faith and shared his motivation for founding a free technical college for girls. He explained that this initiative was intended to empower young women and discourage them from resorting to prostitution due to financial difficulties.
“We have established an All Girls’ Technical College. We find out that if you go to Casablanca (a place in GRA, Port Harcourt) you will see so many girls and you find out that most of them are university students,” he explained. “So I ask, why do you people do prostitution? They can’t meet up with the university system. When they finish secondary school and enter university, they can’t meet up with the handouts, school fees, and feeding, so they have to use what they have to get what they need. I said the only way to solve this problem is to empower the girl child.”
Through his charitable initiatives, Apostle Chinyere continues to impact the lives of many, and Governor Fubara’s support underscores the value of public-private partnerships aimed at uplifting communities.
