Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara says he has moved from viewing the crisis in the state as a problem to a necessary facilitator of governance.
The Governor stated that while the political antagonism lasted, God gave him a new perspective of leadership, especially with the strength of support from the people of the state.
He made the statement at the Christmas ballad, which was hosted by former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, at his residence in Old GRA, Port Harcourt Town, Port Harcourt Local Government Area, on Friday evening.
Rivers State was plunged into political turmoil about a year ago when Governor Fubara and his political benefactor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nyesom Wike, engaged in an open political disagreement that has plagued the state to this day. .
He added that God has proven himself worthy of being the Supreme Liberator of the State and its people because he ensured total triumph over the political crisis and those behind it.
But speaking at the Ballard, Governor Fubara said he had stopped seeing the crisis as a problem, but rather as a necessary facilitator in governance.
He said: “And not just because I want to accept it, but every day I get stronger in this course when I see the support I receive from the real people of Rivers.
“So, it's not me who is strong. My strength comes from each of you who are here. You gave me breath; you do the work for me; You make the calls for me. So why won't I defend you?
“But we also firmly believe that the greatest factor of change, the greatest liberator and the greatest fighter remains Almighty God. And since we have Him on our side, victory is assured.”
Governor Fubara said God is in control of the affairs of the State, adding that as they look forward to a very prosperous 2025, they must be assured that it will be better than what had been experienced.
He assured his administration's determination to make each successive year in the state better with remarkable records of progress, stressing that the enthusiasm experienced among the people of Rivers during the Christmas celebrations was indicative of a brighter future ahead.
Fubara, vowed to continue doing the right thing, noting that it was a pleasure to see the true leaders of the State and the well-meaning people of Rivers remain on the right side of history despite pressures to surrender to tyranny and oppression.
“I want to thank everyone and assure you that we will continue leading a government that will elevate the image of the State. We will not be tyrants.
“We will remember that what we are doing here today is shift work and that one day we will run out of time and leave it for someone else to take over.
“And the important thing is to allow the machine to continue working effectively, so that when the other person comes, they continue with that steam to advance in the State. That is why I thank you all for your support,” stated the Governor.
Governor Fubara prayed God to continue to fill Dr. Odili's house with love and peace and assured that although it may not be too easy for him as a human being, he will try not to do anything that will bring misfortune to Rivers. State.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo, recalled how the crisis that erupted in the assembly devastated them, but quickly added that Governor Fubara's encouragement encouraged him and some others to stand up. for the truth to liberate the State.
In his speech, the Chief Justice of Rivers State, Simeon Amadi, said the last thing he expected was to remain Chief Justice, just as he did not expect the Governor to last in office until now given the political crisis, but noted that God had turned the crisis into a liberation struggle, and assured that he would continue to be on the right side in defense of the State.
In his welcome address, former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, stated that as a family, he, his wife and children decided to host Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his family, for a night of varieties of songs. song and other activities in gratitude for the strength and excellent leadership qualities he had demonstrated.
Dr. Odili explained that it had already been over 12 months, since October 25, 2023, when a fierce existential, yet unnecessary, fight was waged against Governor Fubara for the soul of Rivers State.
He said with a secure fortress, Governor Fubara met the challenge, prevented one man's quest to capture the State as private property, emancipated the Rivers people, stabilized governance and made public officials and Rivers people happier. Like it used to be until he left. office in 2007.
In her address, Justice Mary Odili, who presented gifts to Governor Fubara, his wife, Lady Valerie, and their children, said God had long known the need for an emancipator and gave Governor Fubara to Rivers State, explaining that he had performed the role satisfactorily. , and promised the continued support of his family for the success of his administration.
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