Omiete Blessing
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has declared that he cannot mortgage his kidney or liver to loyalty to anybody, but will continue to stand for the interest of Rivers people.
The governor further averred that his detractors and enemies of Rivers State are frustrated by the prevalence of peace and the unprecedented achievements recorded by his administration within one year.
Governor Fubara made the declaration while speaking at the Interdenominational Church Service held at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Garrison, Port Harcourt on Sunday.
The governor said 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.
The governor 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 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.
“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.”
Governor 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.
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.
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.
