Fubara Risks Office In Defence of Rivers Interest
…Commissions Government House Staff Quarters
Barikui Felix, Port Harcourt
Following the Supreme Court ruling last Friday, which changed the dynamics of the political crisis rocking Rivers State, the governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has maintained that he will always put the interests of Rivers people first in his administration, even at the risk of losing his office.
The governor said it was time for the state to take its destiny into its own hands and called on the youth of the state to remain resolute in their support and defense of the state.
Fubara, who spoke while commissioning a new Government House Staff Quarters in Port Harcourt, said he is unfazed by the dislocations created by Friday’s Supreme Court judgment over the political situation in the state.
He noted that he had made the strongest decision to defend the interests of the state “even if it means paying the supreme sacrifice.”
Fubara said: “People should know that because no matter how we have been fooled in this State it has gotten to a point where this State has decided to take its destiny by its own hands”.
He emphasised that much as he doesn’t subscribe to violence, but added, “When the time comes for us to take a decision, I will lead the cause for that decision. Let me say it again: I am not scared of anything; the worst that can happen is for me to leave the office.”
“Is it going to stop me from existing ? So I am not bothered about that, but the right thing must be done, and said, when the opportunity is given to us”.
The governor lamented that each time his administration tried to stabilise, a spanner was thrown in its wheel of progress, forcing it to start from the beginning. He appreciated the leaders who have stood by him from the onset, stating that he has not rewarded them for their support and sacrifice in any way.
“I will continue to thank you for supporting us even without getting anything. Supporting us, because you believe that it is the right thing to do for Rivers State. Let nobody be deceived, there are faces today that will carry the symbol of some persons and it will be a curse in this State,” he stated.
Gov. Fubara urged the people to remain strong and fight gallantly to the end saying it is not about who will win but about standing for the right cause.
He said: “I want you to be in your highest spirit. It is not about who wins, it is about the glory and the honour of fighting gallantly. Being on the side of truth, not on the side of lies, because of cheap favour.
“I want to assure all our supporters, I know that the news that broke out on Friday must have dampened your spirit, brace up, what is ahead is more than what has just passed.”
According to him, “As humans I know you feel somehow but just relax God has our back, we are not resting on anybody but God only. I want to thank you for your support and assure you that if there is one person on the planet earth that will continue to stand by you I will be that person.
The governor assured the people of leading the state with honour, respect and integrity knowing that when he leaves office he may be required to answer for his actions someday and will be proud to answer to them.
He noted that his government is genuine and not driven by selfish interest, adding that his government will continue to do the right things in the state.
The governor recalled that the staff quarters were in a dilapidated state and completely inhabitable when his government came on board but that he decided to add value in line with his government’s mantra.
He said: “We decided that our staff members can’t be living in uncomfortable places while I live in comfort. Why will I get efficiency from my workers if they are not happy, so the government decided to embark on this project. And I am happy that the contractor delivered it within the time limit.”
The governor insisted that the recent turn of events won’t deter his administration from going ahead with already lined up list of projects for inauguration before the Friday’s judgement.
Speaking earlier, the Chief of Staff Government House, Edison Ehie commended the governor for considering the comfort of the staff of the Government House just as he has touched every sector in the State.
He assured him of the continuous support and loyalty of the Staff to ensure that his government succeeds.
On his part the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mr. Chukwuma Ndudi Augustine while describing the project said it consist of 6 sets of 2-bedroom apartments, 11 one-bedrooms, 11 self-contain apartments, 11 boys quarters, 32 bed spaces in the Hostel A apartment and 30 bed spaces in the Hostel B apartment. Other facilities include a canteen, fitness center, mini basketball court, water tank and a 500kva generator.
