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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has vowed not to let power or the privileges that come with his high office change him.
The governor assured the people that he would remain committed to the vows he made when they gave him their mandate, to transform the state to their dream.
He said this when some leaders, elders and critical stakeholders in the state visited him to celebrate his 50th birthday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.
Fubara said he had never been one to celebrate birthdays, but seeing the leaders of the state gather to celebrate him brought tears of joy to his eyes.
“I want to say that I will still be the Fubara that you know; power will not change me. I will still make sure that what I hold dear in life remains, which is God and my respect for the people. I will continue to maintain it.
“Power will come, power will go, but I will remain the Fubara that you know. With your support, that Rivers State that we all yearn for, we will definitely aim for it, even if we don’t get it completely, we will put those things in place that will channel and drive us to that Rivers State with your support.”
He promised not to do anything or act in any manner that would bring disgrace to himself or any of the leaders of the state who had sacrificed everything for the peace of the state.
“This morning is a birthday morning. It is not a morning to discuss politics. It is morning to say I am happy, I am 50 years old, according to you.
“But the most important thing is: I am celebrating my Golden Jubilee. It means that I have joined the league of the old men from today,” he said.
A former governor of the state, Sir Celestine Omehia, thanked God for Fubara, who he described as “a deliverer of the state and its people from the hands of those bent on destroying it.”
The former governor recounted the strength of faith in God that Fubara had demonstrated and pledged the continued support of Rivers people to ensure the success of his administration.
A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, said, “Regardless of who a kingmaker is, as soon as the king is crowned, such person must give way to the king to perform his duties.”
He regretted that the immediate past governor, Nyesom Wike, who, he said, styled himself as a kingmaker, had continued to distract the king.
Secondus, however, noted that amidst the brewing crisis, Rivers people and, indeed, Nigerians had come to admire and love the character of steel, fear and total trust in God that Fubara had demonstrated.
Highlights of the event were prayers for the governor, his administration and the state; a toast; the cutting of the 50th birthday cake by the governor, who was supported by his wife, Valerie; and a special birthday party organised by the elders and stakeholders.
Meanwhile,a former Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Ogun State, Segun Showunmi, has urged Fubara to be wary of the antics of the hypocrites.
Showunmi said while he would never support anyone playing God in the life of another person, Fubara should, however, not forget those who held the ladder for him while climbing up.
He also asked him to prioritise good governance above every other consideration.
In a statement on Tuesday issued to rejoice with the governor on his 50th birthday, Showunmi said, “Beware of friends who scream your praises, and never forget to always find space to reconnect with yourself, within yourself.
“It is the nature of people to praise today and curse immediately when the tides turn, and you have fewer favours to dispense. It is especially so in that environment where you operate.
“I have been around long enough to see them for the hypocrites they are. Nevertheless, I trust that you will take things in your strides.”
He asked the governor to create new leaders for the greatness of Rivers State.
