Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has reiterated his commitment to Rivers people, adding that power will never change him from staying humble and respectful.
The Governor who stated this today during his birthday speech, maintained that his life and career progresses depends solely on God.
He revealed that he is ever conscious that power is transient, adding that he would remain humble and respectful to the people.
The governor made the self evaluation, overwhelmed with tears of joy at dawn of Tuesday, January 28, 2025, as his Wife and Rivers State stakeholders surprised him with a birthday celebration on clocking 50 years.
Unsuspecting Gov. Fubara, known not to be disposed to wild birthday celebrations never saw it coming when his Wife, Rivers First Lady, Lady Valerie Fubara, had former Peoples Democratic Party National Chairman, Uche Secondus, his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, former governor of the State, Sir Celestine Omehia, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Edison Ehie among other dignitaries sneaked into the Governor’s Lodge, Port Harcourt, to pop up with a surprise ‘happy birthday to you’ song.
Gov. Fubara, overwhelmed by emotions, responded, “This morning I feel so humbled. I have been swept off my feet. Sincerely, all my life I have never subscribed to celebrating birthdays, particularly in this way.
“What is done this morning in conjunction with my wife, you have shown so much love and appreciation that honestly I do not know how to pay back.”
On attaining the golden age as Rivers number one citizen, Sir Fubara declared he will continue to be himself despite being in power assuring that he will also continue to hold God and maintain his respect for people as power is transient.
“I remain the Fubara you know. With your support, that Rivers State we all desire will definitely be attained, even if not achieved immediately, we shall put those things in place to channel us to accomplishing it. That is the one thing I can assure you.
He pledged not to do anything or act in any manner that will bring disrepute to himself or to Rivers people that have decided and ready to sacrifice everything for his government.
“This birthday morning is a moment to say I am happy, and most importantly I am celebrating my golden jubilee. It means I have joined the league of the old men from today.
“I thank everyone of you on behalf of my wife, my kids that are not here but are with us in spirit. I can’t pay you back. It is the Almighty God that will reward everyone of you that made sacrifices to ensure this event turned out this way.”
In his goodwill message on the occasion, the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, stressed that everyone in the State is duty bound to accept and honour Sir Siminalayi Fubara as God’s ordained sitting Governor of Rivers State.
Secondus told the celebrant that the gathering is to join hands with the Archbishop of Ikwerre Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Church of Nigeria, Bishop Blessing Enyindah as he offers prayers for the attainment of golden age by the governor.
He emphasised that it calls for prayer and celebration as true representatives of the people who love Rivers State to join the clerics to celebrate Gov. Fubara on his attainment of 50 as a sitting governor.
According to him, “the first governor of Rivers (military or civilian) came here at the age of 24. That is King Alfred Diete-Spiff. He performed wonders and from then on we had several military and civilian governors. Each one as assigned the number of years left without interference and issues.
He pointed out that whether you are a king maker, once a king has been crowned, everyone must give way to the king to perform his duties, stressing, “you were troubled after you took office, but in that troubled water, we, all Rivers people discovered the character that you are made of.”
“You are made of steel, dear to God and trusting in God in totality attracts admiration, and love from all sections of Rivers even beyond Rivers State. It is to celebrate your 50th birthday, but also to celebrate your humility in governance.
“I believe your simplicity in the affairs of our State in making sure that all parts of this State are carried along. You have proven that indeed, God sent you and you have the divine mandate of God to preside over the State.
On the surprise appeal of the event, Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon Edison Ehie, told the Governor, “We know if we had sought your consent it would have been very difficult so we decided to take the risk because this is what the Lord has done and we must rejoice and be glad in it.
He outlined the most outstanding qualities in celebrating the governor as patience, humility, thoroughness and detail,, cleanliness as well as God fearing which has been the pillar of his victory.
“On this golden jubilee Sir, we congratulate you. Thank you for loving us, supporting us and for serving Rivers State with all your heart.”
Thereafter the birthday took another dimension as the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu led members of the State Executive Council to pay Gov. Fubara a birthday visit and made presentations to him.
Other groups who joined in the birthday visit include the local government chairmen, Special Advisers, permanent secretaries, service Commanders, government House staff members and other well wishers.
