Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has condoned with his Bauchi state counterpart, Bala Mohammed over the demise of his step mother.
Fubara who disclosed this yesterday, Saturday, January 25, 2025 when he visited Bauchi State to condole with his counterpart Governor Bala Mohammed on the loss of his step mother, Hajia Hauwa Mohammed, with a pledge to build stronger ties between Rivers and Bauchi State.
Gov. Fubara, Deputy to Mohammed as Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, said the visit cements the cordial relations between him and bereaved Mohammed as well as between both states.
The Rivers governor stated, “Losses when they involve lives are usually painful. No matter the age of the departed, you must feel that loss, especially when you have a close relationship with the demised.
“I understand His Excellency grew under the late step mother, so you can see why this visit is important to us. As a State we have always worked together with, not just the Bauchi Government but this particular governor who I happen to be the Deputy to as Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum.
He noted that his visit is to show that he has a good working relationship with Gov. Mohammed and that they were determined together to make sure that they set things that were wrong right, adding that though it may not be easy, but it gets to a time people take position to ensure things are done rightly.
On the painful death of Hajia Hauwa Mohammed, Gov. Fubara told his Bauchi counterpart, “Coming here, we cannot fill that vacuum, but only God Almighty (Allah) can fill that space for you. He is the only one that can give you the lasting comfort.
“So we join you to pray Allah to provide all that is needed for the family at this particular time your step mother left you. Allah will also grant her rest in perfect peace because of the wonderful works she did while alive.
He assured that the visit will not be the end, but will continue to work together with Gov. Mohammed for the unity and growth of their both States and extended the condolences of Rivers people to Gov. Bala Mohammed
Responding, bereaved Governor Bala Mohammed told Gov. Fubara and entourage, that they were delighted to receive as the visit shows their close affinity of both States, Bauchi and Rivers.
“He is no stranger. He is my brother, very calculating, very qualitative in leadership, very strategic and of course talking less. That is the difference between me and him. I am a media man he is an accountant.
“He counts money and I talk. But you can see together as he said we will all work to save the Party, the PDP, the biggest party in Africa to maximum efficiency and productivity.
He thanked Gov. Fubara and his entourage for the empathy and sympathy shown him and members of his family, adding that he believes God brought them (Fubara and him) together, “because there are some doubting Thomases who do not know how close we are.”
Gov. Mohammed stated, “We emphasize, this is just the beginning. Bauchi and my humble self have always stood by you because you mean well, you are good for Rivers and Nigeria.
He assured of his consistent support for Gov. Fubara declaring that he will always stand on the side of justice, equity and truth and noted that Gov. Fubara deserved and earned the support.
He urged Gov. Fubara to take what is his and possess the structure of the party in his state, expressing joy for the recent development in the State. According to him, “I don’t want to be misunderstood and I don’t want to join issues with anybody. We have no qualms against anybody.
“At this time and place, you are the governor of the State that is so important to the balance of power in Nigeria. I have noticed that the National Working Committee (NWC) has come to show you support.
“Definitely all the governors are with you and we will continue to close ranks to ensure we minimize rancor except where it is necessary to straighten records.”
