Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his commitment to leadership and fearlessness in the face of political challenges, declaring that he is not scared of anything.
Speaking on Monday while inaugurating the Rivers State Government House Staff Quarters, reconstructed by his administration along Forces Avenue, Old GRA, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara emphasized his resolve to stand firm in making crucial decisions for the state.
“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 worse that will happen is for me to leave the office. Am I leaving the earth? Is it going to stop me from existing?
The governor urged the people of Rivers State not to be discouraged by the recent Supreme Court judgment but to remain steadfast and prepared for the challenges ahead. He assured them that, despite any setbacks, divine support would guide them through.
“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,” he stated.
Governor Fubara further assured the people that his leadership would be characterized by honour, respect, and integrity. He stressed that his actions today would be ones he could defend decades from now.
“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.”
The governor, however, stressed that Rivers people must now take their destinies into their own hands, stating that the time had fully come for them to stand firm against adversaries and external influences attempting to manipulate the state’s affairs.
The Governor, who clarified that he had never subscribed to violence or asked people to indulge in lawless acts, warned that his administration would 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.”
“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.”
Governor Fubara pointed to why it had to be on record and known by everybody that the interest of Rivers State remained his top priority, quickly emphasising that he would not hesitate to pay the supreme price, if it is so required.
But he 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.
Governor Fubara pointed attention to the Holy Scripture, quoting Philippians 3 verse 18-19, which said: “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.”
He explained; “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, Governor Fubara expressed delight that his administration was foresighted to have conceived the project, executed it, and, by the special grace of God, was dedicating it to the glory of God for use by the workers.
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 contractor delivered it within the time limit.”
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 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), and today, staff of the government will have a more comfortable accommodation that will impact positively on their productivity.
He stated: “The Government House Staff Quarters has 6 numbers of two bedroom, 11 numbers of one bedroom, 11 numbers of Boys Quarters. Hostel A has 32 bed spaces, Hostel B has 30 bed spaces. There is canteen, cafeteria, gymnasium – fitness centre where staff will be exercising themselves, mini basketball court, a soundproof power generating plant, and water tank. The contract is completed, and the contract sum fully paid.”
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