Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on residents to embrace peace and unity, describing both as essential to the socio-economic development of the state.

Fubara made the call in a goodwill message to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, urging Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey since 1960 and renew their commitment to peaceful coexistence.

The governor described Rivers as the “treasure base of the nation” and a melting pot of diverse ethnic nationalities, saying the state had always benefited when its people lived in harmony.

He stressed that meaningful development could not take place in an atmosphere of rancour, division and political hostility.

According to him, political differences were normal in a democracy but should never be allowed to undermine the collective interests of Rivers State.

“We may disagree as politicians, but we must never disagree on the peace and progress of Rivers State,” he said.

Fubara said his administration had, since assuming office, made peace a central part of its governance philosophy, describing it as the most valuable infrastructure.

He noted that the relative peace in the state had helped his administration attract investments and execute development projects across the three senatorial districts.

The governor therefore appealed to youths, traditional rulers, political leaders and other stakeholders to become ambassadors of peace in their communities, wards and local government areas.

He warned that no one benefited when the state was plunged into crisis, urging residents to place the collective interest above political differences.

Fubara also called on Rivers residents to continue supporting the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu, saying national unity and cooperation between the Federal Government and states were important to achieving the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.