Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured the people of Rivers State that he will be power-drunk or allow the associated advantages and benefits that come with holding a lofty position in government to change him.
Rather, the Governor reassured the people that he would remain committed to the vows he made to Rivers people when he got their mandate, to completely put things in place in order to transform the state to become what they dreamt it to become.
Fubara, who spoke when some leaders, elders and critical stakeholders of the state paid him a visit at Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday morning – earlier today, January 28 – to celebrate his 50th birthday with him, explained that he never subscribed to the celebration of birthdays, but that seeing leaders of the State gather to celebrate him, made him shed tears of joy.
“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,” he rassured.
“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 channel and drive us to that Rivers State with your support.”
“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 everyone of you that have decided and are ready to sacrifice everything for us.
“This morning is a birthday morning. It is not a morning to discuss politics. It is morning to say I am happy, I am 50 years old, 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,” the Governor stressed.
Governor Fubara, on behalf of his wife, Lady Valerie and 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 remarks, former Governor of Rivers State, Celestine Omehia, thanked God for installing Governor Fubara, who has become a deliverer of the state and its people from the hands of those bent on destroying the State.
“t is, therefore, worthwhile to celebrate such a patient and meticulous leader, loved by all Nigerians on his 50th birthday because he has continued to prioritise the interest of the State and protect it,” Omehia enthused.
The former Governor recounted the strength of faith in God that Governor Fubara has demonstrated while enjoying divine direction in governance, pledging the continued support of Rivers people to ensure the success of his administration.
In his speech, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus said regardless of who a kingmaker is, as soon as the king is crowned, such a person must give way to the king to perform his duties.
He regretted that the immediate past Governor, who styled himself as kingmaker had continued to do things to distract the king.
Secondus noted that amidst the brewing crisis, Rivers people, and indeed, Nigerians have come to admire and love the character of steel, lack of fear and total trust in God that Governor Fubara has demonstrated, including forging unity and inclusivity, which are evidence of his mandate as divine.
