Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he will not be drunk with power or allow the associated advantages and benefits that come with holding a lofty position in government to change him.
Rather, the Governor assured that he will remain committed to his vows made to Rivers people when he got their mandate, to completely put things in place that will transform the State to become what they dreamt it to become.
Gov Fubara made the remark when some leaders and elders of the State paid him a birthday visit at the Government House Tuesday, January 28, 2025, when he attained 50 years.
The governor explained that he never subscribed to celebrating birthdays but seeing leaders of the State gather to celebrate him pulled out tears of joy from his eyes.
Gov Fubara said: “I want to say that I will still be the Fubara that you know; power will not change me. I will still make sure that what I hold dear in life remains, which is God and my respect for people. I will continue to maintain it.
“Power will come, power will go, but I will still remain the Fubara that you know. With your support, that Rivers State that we all yearn for, we will definitely, even if we don’t get it completely, we will put those things in place that will drive us to that Rivers State with your support.”
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Governor Fubara emphasised: “That is the only thing that I know I can assure you. I will not do anything, act in any manner that will bring disgrace to myself or to any one of you that have decided to sacrifice everything for us.
“This morning is a birthday morning. It is not a morning to discuss politics. It is a morning to say I am happy, I am 50 years, according to you. But the most important thing is: I am celebrating my Golden Jubilee. It means that I have joined the league of the old men from today.”
Gov Fubara, on behalf of his family, expressed gratitude to God for divine grace, and thanked all the leaders who made sacrifices to be in attendance so early to wish him well.
In his remark, former Governor of Rivers State, Celestine Omehia, thanked God for installing Gov Fubara, who he said has become a deliverer of the State and its people from the hands of those bent on destroying Rivers State.
He said, it is, therefore, worthwhile to celebrate such a patient and meticulous leader, loved by all Nigerians, on his 50th birthday, because he (Fubara) has continued to prioritise the interest of the State.
The former governor recounted the strength of faith in God that Gov Fubara has demonstrated, and the divine direction he said the governor has enjoyed. He thus pledged the continued support of Rivers people to ensure the success of his administration.
In his speech, Uche Secondus, former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said regardless of who a kingmaker was, as soon as the king is crowned, such kingmaker must give way to the king to perform his duties. He regretted that the immediate past governor, who he said styled himself as kingmaker, had continued to do things to distract the king by wanting to be both kingmaker and king at same time.
Secondus noted that amidst the brewing crisis, Rivers people, and indeed, Nigerians have come to admire the character of steel, fear of God and total trust in God that Gov Fubara has demonstrated. This he said, included forging unity and inclusivity, which he said were evidence of his mandate as divine.
Highlights of the event were prayers by the clergy; a toast; the cutting of the 50th birthday cake by the governor ; presentation of gifts; rendition of special birthday songs; and a special birthday party organised by the elders and stakeholders.
Later in the morning, members of the topmost hierarchy in the state visited the governor.
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