Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has said his administration with assured backing from foremost political leaders will not allow any detractor take Rivers State for a ride going into 2025.
Gov. Fubara addressing Rivers people at a New Year Day State Banquet in Government House, Port Harcourt, said he is confident that with his administration having earned the support of former Governor Peter Odili and other past Rivers political leaders of proven integrity and accomplishments, no detractor could stand on his way in taking the state to new heights in development.
The governor said this year, “We will ensure we protect the integrity of this state, at all cost. We won’t allow anybody take this state for a ride. It doesn’t matter the approach I will use. It’s not going to be a fight.
“We will follow the issues as we did with the case when they (detractors) started begging. Imagine people who chanted ‘on your mandate we stand’, came back to say we’re no longer there. Nothing will stop us from not achieving the purpose of governance in this state.”
Harping on his overwhelming support base, Gov.Fubara said, “We’re not bothered about what they (opposition) will come with. God will always have a way to save us from them. They’re going to come, but we are not worried. We’re equal to the task.
“I honestly thank our leaders, from Sir Dr. Peter Odili, Sir Celestine Omehia, Sen Mbata, Sir Austin Okpara, Prince Uche Secondus, Dr. Abiye Sekibo to others.
According to him, “A lot of person wouldn’t understand what is really happening. This is not to say we didn’t have people that were with us and following us and fighting, but one of the troubles they (detractors) have where they’re today is that they don’t have any face with them.
“The beginning and the end of politics in this state is Sir Dr. Peter Odili. And if he is sitting with us and with these other persons, who do they have with them?
“This Dr. Odili is the right face and right image of our State. These are the frontiers of Rivers state. Men and women that have distinguished themselves are sitting with us. People who have contributed in several ways to make Rivers State what it is, not rented people they bring for dinner.
In retrospect, Gov. Fubara captured the past year, 2024 as a paradox of daunting challenges but ended with his administration scoring more gains than losses.
He explained, “2024 wasn’t an easy year, but it was great for us in the end. About this time last year, we were in a not very pleasant mood, for fear of what might happen because of the boasting of those who believe they control life.
Looking into 2025, he said, “We will continue to put our trust in God as 2024 has been a wonderful year. We had our losses, and our gains. But the most important thing is that our gains surpassed the losses.
He further said, “We can boldly say 2024 was a good year for Rivers state and year 2025, with your support, we are going to build on the gains of last year.
“We will continue to protect the lives of our people and provide the required services in our State. No lowering our guards, rather we will raise our task because, what is speaking for us today is the achievements we’re having in the face of distractions.
“Therefore, raising the bar will be our own way of telling the world that no matter what is happening here, we mean well for the state and know what we are doing.”
He said, “It’s not going to be easy, I know. God at times keeps evil people to live long to continue their evil, not because He doesn’t know what to do but activities of evil people also keep the righteous people awake.
He thanked everyone in the State, and solicited for more support in 2025, adding, “We’re not going to do it alone because we have not made these gains alone. Whatever win we scored today, it is not myself alone, but the government and the support received from everyone of you.
“I can’t pay you back for doing what is right for your State. It is our state and at the end of the day. We’re building a better future for those to takeover after us. That is my own dream for the State.”
Gov. Fubara stated that It is not about power and what is done today, but sustaining a system that will be self preserving, on which everyone can stand and be proud of the State.
“I strongly believe that because of our desire to build, not our (private) supermarkets, or our hotels, but to build a State, there is no way we will not succeed, because our interest is not for self, but the collective interest of our people.”
He assured the people that year 2025 is going to be a year of all round achievements, declaring that by February 2025 his administration will embark on projects commissioning in other sectors, saying, “This time around, not roads. Our Fire Service, you can see what we are doing there.
“For over nine years, there was no functional Fire Service, but today I can proudly tell you that we’ve bought all the vehicles and we are remodelling the offices.
According to him, “Education is the only instrument that can help our youths to avoid criminality and crime. Our State is behind in education as our primary schools are shadows of themselves. You can see the provisions we made in our budget and we are making sure education is given the required attention in this state.
“We have done much on health but we’re going to spend more because you have to be alive to work. We’re doing what we know is right, and doing those things that you can stand anywhere after our administration to defend us that our decisions were right. Nothing will stop us from achieving the purpose of governance in this State.”
Welcoming guests to the Banquet, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo said the outgone year has been a wonderful one, and commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for being focused as an emancipator of the State, saying no matter the antics of the enemies their acts to distract the government will continue to fail.