Rivers Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara has said it is more rewarding to celebrate military and security agency members for their contributions and sacrifices while they are alive, and not just when they are dead.
The Governor was speaking at the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service held in commemoration of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the Chaplaincy of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Rumuibekwe, at the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Sunday. .
He described it as unfair to remember only fallen heroes, as represented by the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, but also to implement a more lasting measure to recognize and celebrate active duty officers and men for their bravery.
Governor Fubara, therefore, assured that his administration would do everything possible within its powers to improve the lives of officers and men involved in various security operations, including legionnaires and survivors of fallen heroes within the state.
He said: “But I want to say that our government will not be a government that will devote its energy solely to remembering the deceased soldiers and those who have died in the course of defending this country.
“I want to change the narrative a little. We also want to strongly support the people they have left behind, so that they know what the government and the good people of Rivers State did for them. May it also be that the government remembers the people for making the right decision for them and helping them develop to be something great in our country.”
He added; “We want to reassure the legionnaires on whose behalf this event is focused. We want to assure the Armed Forces that this government will continue to do everything possible to protect the lives of our people and take the well-being of our people seriously.
“At the end of the day, it's about the people, and the people should come first. We want to assure you that those things that we have promised, which I believe we have fulfilled in a good number of them; But if there is something we have not done, we will do it so that you will not be remembered after your death, but while you are alive you will also have fun in the right way.”
Governor Fubara referred to the biblical Moses who asked the Lord Almighty to make his presence available as a shield and compass to guide us on the path designed for the Israelites, and affirmed that God is in complete control of the affairs of the state and provides the necessary help . direction on the right path.
Governor Fubara said: “Let me also appeal to all religious leaders in this state, please, your pulpit should be a place to talk about peace, about progress; talk about the unity of the people of Rivers State. It shouldn't be an opportunity for people to slander, abuse people, say all kinds of things. And more worrying is that it is in the house of God. “Please, I want to beg you (the churches)… with all due respect… you have to stop this… If I start shooting out of order, take my microphone away.”
Governor Fubara recalled that the 2024 Armed Forces Commemoration Day was celebrated when his administration and the entire State were going through many storms, but he stated that it is very different in 2025 because everyone looks brighter, fresher, with the perspective of their administration. better, bigger, stronger and more comfortable directing the affairs of state.
Governor Fubara stated: “This year is a special year. A special year because God has been with us, God has helped us in various ways. God has also promised us that there will be complete peace everywhere, and our projection for this year will be as we declared it: 'Inclusive growth and development', most especially in the development of human capital.
“We can only achieve this in an environment where there is peace; environment where law and order reigns. That's where security agencies come in. We want to appeal to you, we do not care about the means of your appointment; we are not limited by the ethnic group you come from; What we ask is that you consider the interest of this State more important.
“Know that if anything goes wrong in this state, it will affect Nigeria. That's the truth! So, work as a professional, support us to ensure that the things we need to do and do right are done in the interest of the good people of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.”
In his homily, the Chaplain of the Chaplaincy of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Most Reverend Monsignor Pius Kii, spoke on the theme “Remembrance”, and emphasized the importance of rendering worthy services to God. , society and humanity, because they do not go unnoticed by God who fairly rewards.
Reverend Kii therefore warned that on an auspicious day like the celebration of Armed Forces Remembrance Day, adequate remuneration should be instituted for the men and women of the Armed Forces who have continued to fight against external aggressions, the terrorism and suppressed internal insurgencies, with some of them paying the ultimate price to ensure a peaceful society for citizens.