Suspened Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has told his teeming supporters to remain resolute, saying “at the end we shall win because we are standing on solid rock”.
The governor who started his speech by singing a hymn titled, “On Christ Solid Rock I Stand,”, said he lives true to his convictions and commitment to what is right to the extent that those offended by his actions cannot change what and who he is.
Fubara stated this while delivering a goodwill message, during a Thanksgiving Church Service on Wednesday , June 11, 2025 to mark the 60th birthday of the Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, Perekule XI, Edward I, CON, DSSRS at the Saint Stephens Anglican Church, Bonny, Rivers State.
He said he shared the same experience with the Bonny King and recalled how the Amanyanabo survived his challenges and bounced back when all hope was lost, saying, “I feel strongly that when unusual things happen to extraordinary people and they survive it, it is on where they are standing.
Fubara told the revered Monarch that “It can only be God that has sustained him” and expressed joy in celebrating the landmark diamond age of the King, wishing him the best always. He commended the Monarch for his uncommon leadership referencing the point made by the King, thus, “You said leadership here is not about ruling, controlling, ordering, but about service and you are committed to serving the great people of Bonny.”
The governor emphasised that though people may not appreciate the King’s style of leadership, “it is important that you keep doing what you think is right”, especially when borne out of conviction “that in years to come, you can defend your stewardship.
He added, “I celebrate with you that you are ruling like a man not controlled. No King lives forever, and no authority lasts forever. What is important is that within the period that you are in power or reign I wish you do wonderful things that will speak forever for you.
“And for the people, just be strong, sometimes you lose to win. For me and all that believe in me, I have never considered losing anything. It is when you attach life to things, that is when it bothers you. But I know that at the end we shall win because we are standing on a solid rock.”
In his thanksgiving reflection, the celebrant and Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, Perekule XI, Edward I, said, “Everyday has been a lesson and every season has shaped me into who I am today. This celebration is not just about me, it is about all of us, the people of Grand Bonny Kingdom. It is about our shared history, culture, values and the future we are building together.
According to him, “As the 11th in the unbroken line of the King Perekule dynasty and the Amanyanabo of this ancient and sacred Kingdom, we have always understood that leadership is not a position of privilege but a duty of service. My role will continue to be to preserve the dignity of our throne, uphold peace and to ensure Bonny remains united and progressive.”
He thanked the people of Grand Bonny Kingdom and immediate family for their support for his reign, not forgetting the goodwill from external stakeholders.
“As I look ahead I remain committed to the vision of a peaceful, united and prosperous Bonny Kingdom. With God’s help and your continued support we will continue to uphold our legacies and work for a better tomorrow for all.”
Taking a cue from Psalm 105 verses 1-15 in his message, the Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Dr Emmanuel Oko-Jaja harped on the importance of thanksgiving and noted that it is to celebrate God’s purpose in the life of the King, his family and the entire Bonny Kingdom.
He elaborated reasons for the thanksgiving to include physical and spiritual blessings, stressing that out of the 60 years of the Monarch, he has already spent 29 years on the throne, with a peaceful and progressive reign.
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