Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured the people of the state that despite the antagonism against his administration, the course of governance is irreversible, and victory is certain for the State.
He noted how the news of the judgment of the Supreme Court dampened the spirit of most Rivers people, stressing that what is ahead is more than what just passed.
Fubara, stated this while inaugurating the Rivers State Government House Staff Quarters, reconstructed by his administration, along Forces Avenue (opposite Government House), Old GRA, Port Harcourt on Monday.
He noted that as humans, they may have felt disturbed by the pronouncements, but advised them to realise that God, who has their back, will accomplish His purpose.
He said, “Our back is not on anybody; it is on God. I want to thank you for your support, and assure you that, if there is one person on this planet Earth that will continue to stand by you, I will be that person.
“I assure you that I will lead you with honour, I will lead you with respect, and I will lead you with integrity, knowing that when I leave here, I would have questions to answer, if I am called upon 20 – 30 years from today. I want to be proud to defend my position. So, I thank you and assure you that I will not disappoint you.”
Governor Fubara, however, emphasised that no matter how much the adversaries have tried to fool the state, the time has fully come for Rivers people to take their destinies in their hands.
The Governor, who clarified that he has never subscribed to violence or asked people to indulge in lawless acts, warned that his administration will not look away when haters of the State struggle to unleash violence in the State.
He said, “No matter how we’ve been fooled in this state, it has gotten to a point when the people have to decide to take their destinies in their hands.
“Inasmuch as I don’t subscribe to violence, when the time comes for us to take a decision, I will lead the course for that decision. Let me say it again: I am not scared of anything; the worst that will happen is for me to leave the office. Am I leaving the earth? Is it going to stop me from existing?
“So, I am not even bothered about that. But the right thing must be done and must be said when the opportunity is given to us. Let me thank everyone, more especially our youths. Be strong, don’t be perturbed. I assure you, at the right time, you will hear from us.”
Fubara, while noting why it has to be on record and known by everybody that the interest of Rivers state remains his top priority, quickly emphasised that he will not hesitate to pay the supreme price if it is so required.
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He, however, noted that his strength is in the supreme God and all Rivers people who love the state and are interested in its progress and peace, counselling them to know that there is honour and glory in fighting gallantly, being on the side of truth.
Fubara pointed attention to the Holy Scripture, quoting Philippians 3, verses 18-19, which says: “For as I have often told you before, and now, I tell you again, even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
“Their destiny is destruction, and their god is in their stomach, and their glory is in their shame, their mind is set on earthly things only.”
The Governor said: “Just like the word said, we are not after our stomach, we are after the joy of our people, that at the end of the day, what will count for us is the lives that we have touched genuinely, the legacy we leave that will speak for us, that will open doors for our children, the generations yet unborn.
“Knowing that and having that in mind, it spurs us, it forces me, as a person, to stand on the side of right, to do good, to stand on the side of truth that even if anybody calls me tomorrow, I should be bold to defend my actions.”
Commenting on the project, Fubara expressed delight that his administration was foresighted to have conceived the project, executed it, and, by the special grace of God, is dedicating it to the glory of God for use by the workers.
Fubara stated that what has been achieved, the staff quarters, and other projects lined up for inauguration stand as proof against what has been said in some quarters, that there is good governance on course in the State.
He said, “Here is a legitimate, purpose-driven governance in Rivers State, and we are here to display, genuinely, not because of our own selfish interest, one of those things that this government has done to show that we appreciate, understand the need, and must continue to do what is right for our people.
“When we came on board, this building was a dilapidated building, completely unhabitable. We felt we must add value, which is the basis of our governance, to what we met, and we decided that, look, our staff can’t be living in uncomfortable place, they can’t leave like animals while I leave in big comfortable place. “How would I get efficiency from my workers if they are not happy, and the government decided to embark on this project. I am happy that the contract was delivered within the time limit.”
