The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the 5th October 2024 Local Government election will be another opportunity for Rivers people to witness the rebirth of a new political structure. The governor made the assertion when he received leaders and members of The Simplicity Movement, led by High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich, at the gates of Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday.
High Chief Jackrich, popularly known as Egberipapa, was also the governorship candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) in the 2023 election in Rivers State.
Governor Fubara, in setting the records straight, said he hardly comes out to receive people on solidarity visits but had to personally receive this group to show respect to the leadership of The Simplicity Movement.
He explained that the group and its leadership are people who have, on their volition, decided to gather together and publicly declare their support to his administration.
“You know, at this time, people are paying people money, but we don’t do it. People come out on their own to support us. Knowing the caliber of this group’s founder, the role he has played with other people, and his choosing to be part of the success of our administration, I said I was going to honor him by coming to address you.”
Governor Fubara commended the group for their decision to identify with his administration and enjoined them to remain firm in their commitment as they synergies efforts at defending and protecting the interest of Rivers State at all times.
, “We must defend the dignity of our State. We must ensure that the commonwealth of this state belongs to everyone. That is why our slogan is ‘Rivers First’. Specifically, Governor Fubara said: “We must defend the dignity of our State. We must ensure that the commonwealth of this state belongs to everyone. That is why our slogan is ‘Rivers First’. Because we believe that if we take Rivers first, there won’t be crime. If we take Rivers first, there won’t be hunger. If we take Rivers first, there will be employment.”
Governor Fubara told them that the journey of liberating the State had begun, adding that the forthcoming Local Government Election will be another opportunity for Rivers people to witness the rebirth of truly new (political) structure.
He urged them to freely participate in the election since it will be a very important ingredient that will help his administration to chart the second phase of the struggle.
He added, “Our journey is just starting. We are preparing for the election on the 5th of October. I want you to participate actively in that election.
“That election is going to be the turnaround. That election is the rebirth of a new and strong structure that doesn’t belong to anybody; and you can see that that is why they are running everywhere to stop it.
“What is structure? Structure is ownership: the one who controls the LGA; the one who controls the resources; the one who gives employment to our local people; the one who shares the State and the local government resources among its people. That is what I want this government to stand for (and defend in the interest of the people).”
Governor Fubara pointed to the need for them to continue to maintain the peace that he had always preached all the time.
He told the group that the State is dear to him, stressing that anyone who loves the State will understand the importance of maintaining peace.
He explained, “Anybody who is taking the side of violence doesn’t love the State. That is the truth! If you love the State, you will take to the path of peace. So, please, while you go about supporting me, maintain law and order. Be peaceful.
“So, continue to be strong for Rivers State, not for Fubara. I can also say this here: If Fubara is not here, God would have also provided another person who would have also taken this course because it is a divine course. That is the truth!
