Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has reiterated his administration’s commitment to always put the interest of Rivers people first.
Gov. Fubara stated that the prevalence of peace and the unprecedented achievements recorded by his administration within one year is of paramount interest to him and a huge concern to enemies of Rivers State.
Governor Fubara who revealed these while speaking at the Interdenominational Church Service held at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Garrison, Port Harcourt on Sunday, maintained he will not compromise the interest of Rivers State, but stand on the path of truth and sustain the air of liberation and freedom wrestled from desperate power seekers, who resort to unguarded rantings because they have lost out.
Fubara stated that this year’s independence anniversary is special because it accords the people of Rivers State the opportunity to consolidate on the gains of peace and democratic dividends, as the success and prosperity of Rivers State is a key determinant of prosperity of Nigeria.
“I want to say that our marking this Independence is very special to us. Special because we symbolise peace and our prayer for this State is peace. And in extension because of our peaceful disposition, we strongly believe that things should be done right. And when it is done right from here Nigeria will get better.”
Fubara further affirmed that Rivers State under his watch will not be allowed to slide into the hands of some self seeking politicians who see the state as their private enterprise.
In his words: “Rivers State is nobody’s enterprise. So, you have to stand strong, this celebration today is for a purpose. It coincides with what happened last year. So, be sure of our support to make all the plans come to reality.”
“I can’t give my kidney or my liver to anybody, I won’t. If that is the only reason for me to be loyal, I will not be. But I will not do the wrong thing. I will stand on the side of right.”
“There is no security agency in this State that I have called any day to do something wrong. I have never, I don’t have any need for it, but I know what they do and they keep failing because God has left them.”
Sir Fubara who emphasized on unity among Rivers people to salvage the soul of the state, said the political turbulence experienced in the state will herald a new era of development and called for a peaceful conduct of the October 5th Local Government elections in the state.
“The frustration you are seeing on their faces today is this point we have gotten to. So, please be strong, the Egyptians that we are seeing today, we shall see them no more.”
“God has a reason for allowing the devil or the evil one to stay long, it is not that he can’t take them away, but He gives them time to repent. And when they continue, He will come heavily on them and they will say it would have been better that I leave when I had to, that will be our story in this State.”
“So, don’t be scared of anything, we have gone past the most difficult state. A few of our decisions might not be favourable, but we had to move on as a family because at this time what is important is to protect the soul of this State.”
The Governor called for concerted
efforts among relevant stakeholders to tackle the menace of illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalisation to shore up oil production in the country and improve the economy.
“Please the great and wonderful people of Rivers State we need to join hands together to sustain and develop our State. Presently one of the greatest issues we have is the issue of bunkering, and pipeline vandalisation. I will tell you here, I don’t blame them for doing it, it is because of the harsh economy. But then, we can’t continue that way. The traditional rulers, you know these boys, please do your best to checkmate your zones.”
“The security agencies, are doing their best, and as a government we are also planning to have a special committee to also battle this problem. We need to improve the level of our production, that is the only way we can get out of this situation. We must come together as one to support what the center is doing so that our lives can change.”
The Governor chided his critics over alleged non performance, stating that on going landmark projects in the state, such as Trans -Kalabari Road and the Port Harcourt Ring road, among several others were clear testimonies of his accomplishments, noting that those plotting to destroy the state will be answerable to posterity.
Earlier in his homily, Most Rev’d Dr. Blessing C. Enyinda, Dean, Church of Nigeria, Archbishop, Province of Niger Delta, and Bishop, Diocese of Ikwerre, has stated that God always protect and honor his people in every circumstance.
He said Nigeria like the Israelites of old, was going through tough times because of mismanagement of the common wealth, resulting in hunger and suffering among the people.
“Imagine having oil but we cannot refine it for our use. There is hunger and anger in our land. Now we depend on palliatives. We are now at the mercies of whoever gives us food or money. Anyone who gives us food or money we become their slaves.”
“If we may ask, who is causing this issue? You will say selfish political leaders. But I want to let us know that we are good at passing the bulk. The problem is caused by all the leaders in all the segments of the society. But the bad leaders are more of the cause. You are a leader at your own level. These leaders exhibit selfish and corrupt tendencies.”
He blamed political leaders, and the judiciary for the woes of the country but expressed hope that if the people turn to God in humility the country’s fortune will change for good.
“Nigerian politicians and political leaders for 64 years have caused our problems. Creating problems and tension everywhere. They enjoy heating up the polity. They enrich themselves with public funds. They make policies and laws that are inimical to public good, for instance, the no more fuel subsidy policy without alternative measure.”
“The judiciary is not helping Nigerian politicians in anyway as they continue to pervert and miscarry justice. Create more political confusion and anarchy with their pronouncement on the same issue in different forms.”
