Brace up for more turbulence – Gov Fubara charges Rivers people, but assures of triumph

Embattled Gov Sim Fubara of Rivers State who has agreed to submit to the rulings of the Supreme Court has however charged the people of the state to brace up for more turbulence in the coming weeks.

He has assured of triumph of the state at the end of it all.

The Supreme Court ruled in five consolidated appeals and almost all went against the governor and his administration including dismissal with cost his appeal against the order to submit the 2024 budget to the Martin Amaewhule faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The apex court in another appeal ruled that Amaewhule was the right speaker; it also ruled that the accounts of the state be shut down; and that the October 2024 LGA elections were null and void.

Read also: Fubara orders LG chairmen to hand over on Monday

Gov Fubara, who has accepted the rulings in compliance with the rule of law, however urged the people to wake up from dampened spirits.

The governor used the event of the commissioning of staff quarters of the government house workers to rally round spirits even as local council chairmen loyal to him were handing over to heads of local government administration in the 23 LGAs.

Gov Fubara declared that despite the unceasing antagonism against his administration, the course of governance was irreversible, and victory was assured for the State.

The governor charged the people to brace up because, according to him, what is ahead was more than what just passed. Many felt the governor was warning of impeachment attacks ahead.

He noted that as humans, the people may have felt disturbed by the apex court’s pronouncements, but 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.

“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 even 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.”

Gov Fubara, however, emphasised 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 in their hands.

The Governor, who clarified that he has never subscribed to violence or asking people to indulge in lawless acts, warned that his administration will 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.

“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?

“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.”

Gov Fubara pointed to why it has to be on record and known by everybody that the interest of Rivers State remains his top priority, quickly emphasising that he will not hesitate to pay the supreme price, if it is so required.

But, Gov Fubara 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.

Gov 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.”

The Governor stated: “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, Gov Fubara expressed delight that his administration was foresighted to have conceived the project, executed it, and, by the special grace of God, is 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 live like animals while I live in big and 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, 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, Chukwuma Ndudi Augustine, said the project was awarded on June 6, 2024 to Monier Construction Company (MCC), and today, staff of government will have a more comfortable accommodation that will impact positively on their productivity.