Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged his dedication to safeguarding the interests of the state, asserting that he is willing to make the “supreme sacrifice” following the Supreme Court’s ruling.
While inaugurating the Government House Staff Quarters on Monday, Fubara highlighted that it is time for Rivers State to seize control of its own destiny.
He encouraged the youth supporting his administration to remain resolute and await further instructions from the government.
Rejecting violence, the governor affirmed that his administration would make the necessary decisions at the appropriate time, stating that he is prepared to lead the charge.
Fubara expressed that he harbours no fear of any repercussions, noting that, at worst, he could only be removed from office.
He stated: “People should understand that, despite the ways we have been misled in this state, we have reached a point where Rivers State has resolved to take its destiny into its own hands.
“While I do not advocate violence, when the moment comes for us to act, I will lead the charge for that action. Let me reiterate: I am not afraid of anything. The worst that could happen is for me to leave this office, not that I am leaving this world.
“Will it prevent me from existing? Therefore, I am not concerned about that; what matters is that the correct actions must be taken and the right words spoken when the opportunity arises.
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone, particularly our youth. Stay strong; do not be disheartened. I assure you that you will receive instructions at the right time.”
The governor lamented that every time his administration sought to stabilise, obstacles would arise, forcing them to start over.
Addressing the leaders who support his government, he remarked: “Our leaders, I have nothing to offer you. We have not granted you anything since we began. We have operated under a system where each time we attempt to stabilise, a new challenge emerges.
“As a result, we are often brought back to ground zero, starting afresh. Nevertheless, I will continue to thank you for your support despite not receiving anything in return. You stand with us because you believe it is the right thing to do for Rivers State. Let no one be deceived; there are faces today that will bear the burden of certain individuals, and this will be a curse to our state.”
Fubara urged the people to remain strong and fight valiantly until the end, emphasising that it is not about winning but standing for the right cause.
He said: “I want you to remain in high spirits. It is not about who wins; it is about the glory and honour of fighting gallantly. Stand on the side of truth, not lies, for mere favour.
“I want to reassure all our supporters that I know the news that emerged on Friday may have dampened your spirits. Prepare yourselves; what lies ahead is greater than what has just passed.
“As humans, I understand you may feel disheartened, but relax. God is on our side; we rely solely on Him. I want to thank you for your support and assure you that if there is one person on this planet who will continue to stand by you, it is I.
“I pledge to lead you with honour, respect, and integrity, knowing that one day I may answer for my actions. I want to take pride in my defence of my position.”
Fubara asserted that, contrary to the claims of a lack of governance in the state, there “is legitimate and purpose-driven governance in Rivers State”.
He stressed that his government is sincere and not motivated by selfish interests, vowing to continue doing what is right for the state.
He reminisced about the dilapidated state of the staff quarters upon his administration’s arrival, highlighting his commitment to enhancing its value in line with his government’s principles.
He stated: “We decided that our staff members should not live in uncomfortable conditions while I enjoy comforts. How can I expect efficiency from my workers if they are unhappy? Thus, we embarked on this project, and I am pleased that the contractor completed it within the deadline.
“I want to thank the contractor, who has undertaken numerous projects for us with diligence and dedication, all while knowing there are many monitoring our activities, not for the good but for the bad.
“We must prove them wrong and demonstrate that we are a transparent government, one that hides nothing. The future will reveal that our achievements were a challenge to the previous administration, yet we accomplished them with ease because we have nothing to conceal.”
“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 we have touched genuinely, the legacy we leave that will speak for us that can open doors for our children, our generations yet unborn.
“Having that in mind spurs us and forces me as a person to stand on the side of right, to do good and stand on the side that even if I am called up tomorrow, I should be bold to defend my actions. I am happy that we conceived this project, executed it, and by the grace of God, we are dedicating it today to the glory of God.”
The governor commended leaders and food people of the state for their support and told them that his administration had lined up a list of projects for inauguration before the Friday judgment.
“We are not going back on it. We must complete what we have already planned, and we will add if need be to what we have already decided to do for our people. Let it be on record that the interest of Rivers State remains my priority, and it is above every other thing, even if it means to pay the supreme sacrifice for it, I will not hesitate to do it”, he said.
Quoting from the Bible’s book of Philippians 3:18-19, Fubara 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, their god is in their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things only.”
He added: “I want to say here today, and to assure everyone that has stood with us that our strength is not on earthly things, our strength is in the supreme being, that even when we fail here, assuming as being contemplated, our victory is assured.”
