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PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA – Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has delivered a stern message to those who perceive his adherence to the Presidential Peace Accord regarding the state’s political crisis as a sign of weakness.
Fubara emphasized that he has chosen silence in response to media comments regarding the peace pact out of maturity and wisdom.
Speaking on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, during a solidarity rally at the Government House in Port Harcourt, where he received members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Fubara clarified the nature of the agreement reached during President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the state’s political turmoil on October 30, 2023.
He stressed that the resolution was a political solution, implemented out of respect for President Tinubu.
Fubara said: “Let me say it here for record purposes: What is happening here in our dear State is somebody who has respect for an elder.
“Mr. President invited all the parties to Abuja, and came out with a resolution that we should go and implement. That resolution, I am implementing it. It is not a constitutional implementation. It is a political solution to a problem.
“And I am doing it because of the respect I have for Mr President. But, let me say it here, if that action that I have accepted to take would be seen as a weakness, I will surprise them. I want this message to go to them.”
Fubara said the large number of NULGE members further goes to prove the nature of the organic support his administration has continued to enjoy from the people of the State.
He stated further: “Some days ago, somebody said we are busy renting crowd for thanksgiving. But what I have seen here today, it’s not different from what is happening at those thanksgiving rallies. People are just appreciating God and good governance.”
Fubara cautioned against misinterpreting his compliance as weakness, asserting, “If that action I have accepted to take would be seen as a weakness, I will surprise them.”
He reiterated his commitment to implementing necessary actions to maintain order in Rivers State.
Acknowledging the overwhelming support from NULGE members, Fubara emphasized the genuine backing his administration receives from the people.
He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the implementation of the minimum wage for local government workers and promised further improvements in their welfare.
He stated further: “Some days ago, somebody said we are busy renting crowd for thanksgiving. But what I have seen here today, it’s not different from what is happening at those thanksgiving rallies. People are just appreciating God and good governance.”
The governor stated that he was mindful of the legacy he would bequeath after his tenure, saying: “It should also be about the lives that have been touched genuinely; about the policies implemented without any inducement, to better the lives of the people and the society.”
He urged the people to continue to support his administration, show understanding over actions taken, and obey the rules in a peaceful manner.
Fubara said: “When you are doing what is right, I will stand by you. Nobody, whether full or half is going to intimidate you. Brace up, I say brace up, because the next step, it will be fire for fire in Rivers State. Everything will be implemented.”
The governor stated that already local government workers have started receiving N30,000.00 minimum wage with promotion to be implemented beginning from April salary payment.
He also promised to set in motion plans to finalise modalities for the implementation of the Consolidated Salary Scale for Grade Level 17, and regular payment of benefits to the local government service retirees.
Fubara said: “For our people, the great and wonderful people of Rivers State, we will continue to lead you with the fear of God.
Fubara concluded by underscoring the importance of maturity in leadership, stating, “Maturity is not about age, maturity is in the person. It is what defines the character of a person. I chose not to respond to people that I assumed are matured, but are obviously immature in attitude.”
He pledged to uphold the integrity of his administration and protect his team from unwarranted mistreatment or abuse, saying, “I will continue to be mature, not minding my age, but I will not, for any reason, allow myself or anybody who is working with me in this Administration to be messed up with, maltreated or abused in the cause of administering this governance.”
