Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration fought like gallant soldiers, hatching the enemies’ plans to halt governance in the state.
The governor also stated that his administration does not have any intention to inflict pain on Rivers people and will not do so.
The governor explained that rather, he will continue to fight and protect the state from enemies who hatch plans and schemes daily to create chaos and unending disaffection among the people.
Governor Fubara said that with determination and unwavering commitment, the administration is addressing itself to fulfilling all obligations of government to the people without pretense.
The governor stated this on Thursday at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt during the Emblem Appeal Fund Launching, preparatory to the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration on January 15, 2025.
Governor Fubara highlighted how mutual and healthy cooperation has been maintained with security agencies to guarantee the prevailing peace in the state.
He also explained that while the employment of 10,000 persons into the state civil service was canceled, 2,000 professionals have been employed in the health sector, with 1,000 employment slots reviewed upward for the Universal Basic Education (UBE) and Post-Primary Schools.
Governor Fubara said that scholarships have also been awarded to Rivers State youths in PAMO University of Medical Sciences and Wigwe University, and the N85,000 new minimum wage has been implemented for civil servants in the state.
He said: “We have gone past the stage where you just employ 10,000 civil servants. It will not help the growth of this state for now. We are going to the general one later. So, that was the reason why I suspended it and insisted that employment approved should be for the professional cadre.
“I can say boldly that we have employed over 2,000 medical doctors. The records are there. We have also employed teachers. At least, for UBE, I have okayed the approval of 1,000, which they did before, and we have also asked them to increase the number, both for the UBE and the Post-Primary Schools Boards.
“On the issue of scholarships, Rivers State Government has not started empowering its scholarship board yet. But there are some scholarships that we have offered. We did so in PAMO University, and we also did so recently in Wigwe University.
“So, if it’s those ones, the Rivers State Government has no hand in the process of selection. You have to pass the exams to be on the list of 100-150.
“Otherwise, be patient. When we start our own internal one—the one that the Scholarship Board will do—maybe the criteria might be different, and we assure you more persons will be accommodated.”
Governor Fubara also said: “Some persons who have decided to be enemies of this state wanted us to experience a black Christmas, but because we are determined to ensure that the interest of Rivers State remains paramount, we were able—not easily—but we met our obligations as a government.
“And today, I can say boldly that our civil servants are happy, even in the face of all the propaganda that the state’s allocation fell under one bridge.
“But we are now the first state that not only made the promise but have lived up to that promise. Today, civil servants that were collecting N70,000 are jubilating with N120,000, N140,000.
“What is the greatest joy any government can achieve? You might do some projects, but the most important thing is the happiness you leave in the hearts of people.
“People will forget that Sir Dr. Peter Odili built this Banquet Hall, but they won’t forget the story of when they couldn’t pay their children’s school fees because of poor salaries.
“But with their salaries now improved, they will always remember that and say, ‘Look, if not for that government, this my son wouldn’t have been a graduate; if not for that salary, this my son would not be a lawyer; he will not be a judge; he will not be an engineer.’
“So, the most important thing is making sure that Rivers people are first in everything we do.”
Speaking on the Emblem Appeal Fund Launching, Governor Fubara recalled the excitement his family felt as children of a military officer when they saw their mother return from such events as a widow.
Governor Fubara said no amount of money donated will be enough to compensate for the services rendered by war veterans who ensured the protection of the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity.
He said: “This event means so much to me because I fall in the category of the dependents of fallen heroes. Maybe you don’t understand—my late father was a military officer! So, I am also one of those dependents.
“It is important to us because every January, when my mother went for that event, she came back smiling. So, we have to join hands together to make this one very special.
“We cannot do enough. No matter what we do, the losses are there; those spaces cannot be filled. But the only thing we can do is cushion the effects, and in cushioning those effects, we need to give our support to the survivors of fallen heroes.”
Governor Fubara told legionnaires in the state that the promised 50 slots of employment are still available, awaiting the lifting of the embargo on general employment into the state civil service.
The governor also urged them to inject part of the money realised from the launch into the scholarship scheme they have floated to cater to their children’s welfare in tertiary institutions.
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to all lovers of democracy and Rivers people for their support for his administration.
He assured that despite the distractions, he and his team will remain determined to follow through with the dictates of good governance and leave enduring legacies.
He added:”So, let me thank everyone who has continued to support us. God doesn’t start and end halfway. We are determined to follow this journey and will follow it to the end where everyone will know that it is only God Almighty that gives power.
“I need to commend our security agencies for their support. I can say with assurance that they have been very cooperative. I know a lot of them are under one pressure or the other, which is normal.
“But we can always ask you to do the right thing. We will not ask you to do the wrong thing. Therefore, doing the right thing is easy, and that brings peace to the state. We are happy with what you are doing. We will continue to support you to succeed in Rivers State.”
Governor Fubara launched the emblem with N40 million on behalf of the Rivers State Government.
In his speech, Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, acknowledged the sacrifices made by officers, some of whom paid the supreme price, leaving spouses as either widows or widowers and children as orphans.
Dr. Danagogo said it is for such survivors and also for those who are still in active peacekeeping activities that the day is dedicated to galvanize financial support to cater to their welfare.
He said: “They are the survivors of wars, past and present. They are fighting insurgents, herdsmen, and terrorists—of course, not without scars. They are here in our midst.
“They did not negotiate any terms of engagement with the country. They simply asked: ‘What can we do for our country?’ They volunteered and lost the luxury of comfort so that we can have the luxury of peace.
“It is, therefore, time to once again awaken our gratitude. Donate for the welfare and upkeep of these veterans who labored for your sake.”
In his remarks, the Acting Chairman of the Nigeria Legion, Rivers State Chapter, ACC Kuu Aminkipo Promise, explained that such annual events give recognition to military officers who have offered salient military services to the country.
In the course of such services, some die, leaving their loved ones behind, while others live but with lifelong injuries. The help galvanized at the launch offers hope to spouses, children, and other dependents.
While thanking Governor Fubara for the immeasurable support given to legionnaires, ACC Promise noted that the legion is yet to access the promised employment of 50 of their wards and members, while also requesting financial support to fund the scholarship floated for their wards.
