Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has declared that Nigeria’s path to development lies in placing God-fearing individuals in positions of authority, arguing that a moral vacuum in leadership is primarily responsible for the country’s current challenges.
The governor made the remarks on Thursday, July 2, during a courtesy visit by the World President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Erton Kohler, accompanied by his wife, Andriene Marques Kohler, their daughter, Mariana Marques Kohler, and other senior church leaders at Government House in Port Harcourt.
Fubara commended the Seventh-day Adventist Church for its sustained investment in education, noting that the church operates two universities in Nigeria and has consistently used its institutions to develop future leaders.
He argued that religion must move beyond doctrinal debate and translate into tangible societal impact.
Speaking plainly on the root of Nigeria’s problems, the governor said:
“Our country is where it is today because we lack the fear of God. If you have the fear of God, there should be a limit to what you can do because you understand the supremacy of God. But when God is not in your equation, you’ll go beyond the line, and that is what has brought us to where we are today.”
He further linked the absence of moral leadership to poverty, corruption, criminality and widening inequality, stressing the importance of a society where workers can afford quality healthcare, educate their children and secure decent shelter after years of honest service.
He added:
“If we have a situation where the little money you’re paid as wages can also afford you quality healthcare and after working for at least 15 to 20 years you have a roof over your head, tell me why you should be involved in any kind of crime?
At that point, you’ll feel secure, and this attitude of insecurity about the future that leads to many of the social vices we have today won’t be there.”
Fubara thanked the delegation for their visit and prayers, pledging continued support for the church’s programmes in Rivers State.
Earlier during the visit, Pastor Kohler disclosed that he was in Nigeria to attend a special church conference aimed at empowering thousands of ministers and strengthening their capacity to serve both their congregations and broader society.
He also revealed that the Seventh-day Adventist Church commands a global membership of more than 24 million people, with over 182,000 places of worship spread across 212 countries.
