In an effort to free the state and promote peace, Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara announced on Tuesday that his administration will work with other parties and keep consulting broadly.
The governor declared that he will act as a team player with the welfare of the state as his top priority, rather than as a dictator.
Fubara’s statement coincides with a political rift between him and his predecessor and estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike.
Tuesday saw Boniface Emerengwa, an ally of Wike’s, visit Fubara to offer his support.
Emerengwa represents the Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency in Rivers State as a member of the House of Representatives.
Accompanied to the Government House by three other members of the House of Representatives, Emerengwa said that the people of the Rivers had cast their votes and selected Fubara as their chosen governor.
He explained that he decided to endorse Fubara because, after winning an election on March 18, 2023, which the Supreme Court had confirmed, he had emerged as Rivers State’s most valuable citizen.
“Only the blind will not see the giant strides Governor Fubara is already making in various sectors of the state,” the Rep said, insisting that the best way to assist the Rivers people was to support Fubara in every way possible to achieve sustainable peace and accelerate inclusive development of the state.
At the formal ceremony held on Tuesday at Government House in Port Harcourt to award the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to Ateke Michael Tom, the Amanyanabo (king) of Okochiri Kingdom, as a first-class traditional monarch, Fubara vowed not to rule like a dictorator.
This was revealed in a statement released on Tuesday by Nelson Chukwudi, the governor’s chief press secretary.
According to Fubara, the government granted the building of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road for N80.8 billion, with 50% of the contract value already paid, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting.
He stated that the project would be paid for out of Internally Generated Revenue savings in order to demonstrate the caution of his Administration without requiring additional borrowing to be completed.
Governor Fubara stated, “We are at a crossroads in our state where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a lifetime. So, for now, be one of those people who will be in the cause to liberate and free our dear state.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our state.
“We will do those things that are right to develop our state. We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us,” he said.
“We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led.” he added.
