By Emeka Amaefula
NO LEVEL OF SABOTAGE CAN MAKE ME SURRENDER OUR MANDATE–RIVERS STATE GOV. SIMINIALAYI FUBARA
Standing before the highly revered congregation of Rivers State traditional Rulers, the peace-loving Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara boldly delivered a strong message to the good people that he superintends asserting that he cannot surrender the mandate given to his Government by Rivers state citizens and residents over any sabotage staged by anyone. He emphasised that he will prioritize development in the state in areas such as Education, Agriculture and Entrepreneurship. For this to happen he asked the people to remain peaceful across the state. He said this as he declared open the 115th and 116th Combined Quarterly General Meeting of Rivers state Council of Traditional Rulers held at Port Harcourt on Thursday, 7th of December, 2023. The Rivers state Governor unequivocally admitted that he will serve his people with sincerity, humility and strength of purpose for optimal development of the state.
In his own words “although these are trying times, let us not forget that Rivers state is our collective inheritance, presently under my watch, to protect, defend and advance it as the Governor. I assure you that I will not fail in this responsibility nor will I surrender our mandate and progress to intimidation, blackmail and deliberate sabotage. I reaffirm my earlier statement and recommit myself to the path of peace as there is nothing to gain in a state of needless crisis.”
He gave key highlights of his 2024 Budget which he said will include the provision of sufficient funds which will create universal access to affordable and quality education and healthcare services. “We will also take deliberate steps to unlock the entrepreneurial spirit among our teeming unemployed youths through viable initiatives on skills development, entrepreneurship training and targeted investments in commercial agriculture.”
He implored traditional Rulers to always be upright and royal fathers of integrity who do not compromise their neutrality. While they should remain courageous and speak the truth at all times so as not to lose their moral authority and legitimacy before their people. “We must all be worried about the plight of our youths, especially those in rural communities, most of whom are poor, neglected and almost forgotten in the government’s development plans, policies and actions. As we all know, no human society can progress without peace and security. I will therefore urge you to continue to work tirelessly for the preservation of peace and security to attract sustainable development to your communities.”
He reiterated the importance of the people of Rivers state to follow up with national mantra of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his Renewed Hope agenda which he admitted will usher a better economic era of sustainable development and progress.
The Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Ohna Eze Sergeant Chidi Awuse declared full support of the Traditional Council to the Government of Sir Siminialayi Fubara who he said was elected and trusted to lead Rivers state. The traditional Ruler urged detractors to allow the Governor concentrate on the job he was elected for.
