I’ll lead you with honour, integrity, Fubara promises Rivers people

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, says he is not scared of anything, vowing to continuously lead the cause of good governance. The governor said the interest of Rivers State remains his priority, even if it means paying the supreme sacrifice as he implements the Supreme Court judgment. The governor, who spoke 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, said the state has reached a point where the people should decide to take their destiny into their own hands.

The governor said, “No matter how we are fooled in this state, it has gotten to a point where this state decides to take their destiny into their own hands. In as much as I don’t subscribe to violence, when the time comes for us to take a decision, I will lead the cause of that decision. “Let me say it again: I am not scared of anything. The worst that will happen is for me to leave office. But am I leaving yet?” His followers echoed, ‘No.’ “I assure you that I will lead you with honor, 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.”

The governor said he is not bothered because he is not exiting office yet. He, therefore, assured his followers that the state would bounce back. The governor declared that despite the unceasing antagonism against his administration, the course of governance is irreversible, and victory is assured for the state. The governor noted that though the news of the judgment of the Supreme Court dampened the spirit of most Rivers people, he charged them to brace up because what lies ahead is greater than what just passed.

He noted that as humans, they may have felt disturbed by the apex court’s pronouncements, but he 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.” Governor Fubara, however, emphasized 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 into their own hands. The governor, who clarified that he has never subscribed to violence or encouraged people to indulge in lawless acts, warned that his administration will not look away when haters of the state attempt to unleash violence. Governor Fubara stressed that it must be on record and known by everybody that the interest of Rivers State remains his top priority, quickly emphasizing that he will not hesitate to pay the supreme price if required.

However, Governor Fubara noted that his strength lies in the supreme God and in all Rivers people who love the state and are interested in its progress and peace. He counseled them to know that there is honor and glory in fighting gallantly and being on the side of truth. Governor Fubara referenced the Holy Scripture, quoting Philippians 3:18-19, 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, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame; their mind is set on earthly things only.” The governor stated: “Just as the word says, we are not after our stomachs; we are after the joy of our people. 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, and that will open doors for our children and generations yet unborn. “Knowing that and having that in mind spurs us—it forces me, as a person, to stand on the side of right, to do good, and to stand on the side of truth. Even if anybody calls me tomorrow, I should be bold to defend my actions.”

Commenting on the project, Governor Fubara expressed delight that his administration was foresighted enough to conceive the project, execute it, and, by the special grace of God, dedicate it to the glory of God for use by the workers. Governor Fubara stated that the completed staff quarters and other projects lined up for inauguration serve as proof, countering claims in some quarters that good governance is on course in the state.

He said, “Here is legitimate, purpose-driven governance in Rivers State, and we are here to display, genuinely—not for our own selfish interest—one of those things that this government has done to show that we appreciate and understand the need to continue doing what is right for our people. “When we came on board, this building was in a dilapidated state, completely uninhabitable. We felt we must add value—which is the basis of our governance—to what we met, and we decided that our staff cannot live in an uncomfortable place while I live in a big, comfortable one. “How would I get efficiency from my workers if they are not happy? So, the government decided to embark on this project. I am happy that the contractor delivered it within the time limit.”

Governor Fubara thanked the elders of the state who have continued to provide support and stand with his administration. He assured them that he would not disappoint their expectations of providing good governance to the state. In his address, Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, thanked the governor for embarking on the reconstruction of the project and for tastefully furnishing the facility to make living conditions comfortable for workers. Providing the project description, Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mr. Chukwuma Ndudi Augustine, said the project was awarded on June 6, 2024, to Monier Construction Company (MCC). Today, staff of the government will have more comfortable accommodations that will positively impact their productivity. He stated: “The Government House Staff Quarters has six two-bedroom apartments, 11 one-bedroom apartments, and 11 Boys’ Quarters. Hostel A has 32 bed spaces, and Hostel B has 30 bed spaces. There is a canteen, cafeteria, gymnasium/fitness center where staff can exercise, a mini basketball court, a soundproof power generating plant, and a water tank. The contract is completed, and the contract sum is fully paid.”



Source: https://guardian.ng/news/ill-lead-you-with-honour-integrity-fubara-promises-rivers-people/

Date: 3MAR25