Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State governor, has vowed to stand on the side of truth, not minding the number of people standing with him.
The governor who lamented that there is a fierce fight over the soul of the state to destroy it, noted that only the well-meaning persons who are standing firmly with him can wield the force of unity to save it.
Fubara spoke at the country home of a former governor of the state, Celestine Omehia, in Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Saturday.
The governor, accompanied by some elders of the state, visited Ubima to condole Omehia, who recently laid his mother, Mrs Ezinne Omehia, to rest.
Present at the event were a former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus; a former governor of the state, Peter Odili, and Senator Lee Maeba, amongst others.
The governor said, “I have come here with very few respected elders of the state, to come and support you and say to you that we sorrow with you.
“The most important thing is to show our concern and love. Any human being who shows enmity to death, that person is not even normal.
“We also rejoice with you for a life lived well to fulfilment by Mama. We wish Mama a safe journey. Let her stay well where she has gone.”
Fubara emphasised the importance of unity and determination among those who truly care about the well-being of Rivers State.
The governor decried the evil of politics and bitterness and the telling danger it has on the progress of the state, which, according to him, should be discouraged as a bad political culture in contemporary times.
Fubara said, “Anybody who claims to love this state should not be party to anything, directly or indirectly, that will bring us backwards. We will continue to support every course that will advance the interests of our dear Rivers State.
“And I am happy to say, and I’ve said it over and again, it doesn’t matter the number of people that are standing with me, I will stand on that side of truth.”
Fubara (R) addresses elders at Omehia’s country home
The governor added, “I will not, I repeat, I will not govern our dear state on my knees. If that was the purpose, I will not do that. I will stand to govern our dear state and stand continually on the side of right.”
He thanked the elders and told them bitterness would not take the state anywhere. He stated that they need to work together to help the state get to the position that people said it should be.
“But politics of bitterness will not take us anywhere. So, I want to thank you that, at this stage, we have a few of you who understand that Rivers State belongs to every one of us. We must, therefore, fight together to sustain the soul of this state,” he added.
Fubara said the visit was to demonstrate love and show support to Sir Omehia, who, as a son, had satisfactorily performed the duty of giving his mother a befitting burial.
In his speech, Omehia, on behalf of his family, appreciated Fubara, his delegation and other friends, among whom, were those he described as mature elders, for the show of love.
He said his mother died at 95 years, which is 25 years of grace added to the 70 years as specified in the Bible, and assured that he will sustain her legacy because she was their role model.
Omehia also said that he was well known as a man who takes decisions and stands by them, no matter the consequences.
He, therefore, declared: “I have taken a decision to be SIMplified. Wherever you go (Fubara), is where I will go. If you say tomorrow, you are no more interested in this position, I will also stop fighting for anything in Rivers State.
“But God, who gave you the opportunity, will also give you all the wisdom, strength, power and everything that it takes to govern the people of Rivers State and beyond.”
He assured the governor that the vast majority of the state’s population, encompassing chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, women, youths, civil society groups, and professionals from all walks of life, were fervently praying and diligently supporting his administration’s endeavours.
Omehia expressed to the Governor the importance of receiving support and prayers from the people in order to achieve success.
He emphasised that having a strong connection with God is crucial, as it leads to being in the majority and ultimately excelling and succeeding.
Highlights of the event were the offering of prayers by leaders of the Ikwerre Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers for the Governor and his administration, as well as the symbolic presentation of gifts to Governor Fubara in appreciation of his peaceful disposition and quality leadership of the state, Punch reported.
Fubara is currently engaged in a political dispute with his immediate predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Last week, two members of the state cabinet resigned after being redeployed by the governor, reportedly due to their loyalty to Wike.
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