Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, said he will not be drunk with power or allow the associated advantages and benefits that come with holding a lofty position in government to change him.
Rather, the Governor assured that he would remain committed to the vows he made to the Rivers people when he gave him their mandate, to completely put things in place that would transform the state into what they dreamt it would become.
Governor Fubara made the remark when some leaders, elders and critical stakeholders of the state paid him a birthday visit to celebrate his 50th birthday at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday morning.
The Governor explained that he had never subscribed to celebrating birthdays, but seeing leaders of the state gather to celebrate him brought tears of joy to his eyes.
The Governor said, “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 people. I will continue to maintain it.
“Power will come, power will go, but I will still remain the Fubara that you know. With your support, that Rivers State that we all yearn for, we will definitely, 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 added, “That is the only thing that I know I can assure you. I will not do anything or act in any manner that will bring disgrace to myself or to every one of you who have decided and are ready to sacrifice everything for us.
“This morning is a birthday morning. It is not a morning to discuss politics. It is a morning to say I am happy, I am 50 years, according to you. But the most important thing is that I am celebrating my Golden Jubilee. It means that I have joined the league of the old men from today.”
Governor Fubara, on behalf of his wife, Lady Valerie and family, expressed gratitude to God for divine grace and thanked all the leaders who made sacrifices to be in attendance so early to wish him well.
In his remark, former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, thanked God for installing Fubara, who has become a deliverer of the State and its people from the hands of those bent on destroying Rivers State.
He said it is, therefore, worthwhile to celebrate such a patient and meticulous leader, loved by all Nigerians, on his 50th birthday because he has continued to prioritise the interest of the State and protect it.
The former governor recounted the strength of faith in God that Fubara has demonstrated, enjoyed divine direction in governance, and pledged the continued support of Rivers people to ensure the success of his administration.
In his speech, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince 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 but regretted that the immediate past governor, who styled himself as kingmaker, continued to do things to distract the king.
But Prince Secondus noted that amidst the brewing crisis, Rivers people, and indeed, Nigerians, have come to admire and love the character of steel, fear and total trust in God that Fubara has demonstrated, including forging unity and inclusivity, which are evidence of his mandate as divine.
He said, “Regardless of whether you’re the kingmaker, as soon as the king has been crowned, you give way for the king to perform his duties.
“But in that troubled water, Rivers people discover the character you (Fubara) are made of. You are made of steel, the fear of God, trusting in God, and trusting God in totality that attracts admiration and love from all the toes of Rivers people.”
Highlights of the event were prayers by the clergy for the Governor, his administration and the state; a toast; the cutting of the 50th Birthday cake by the Governor, who his wife supported; presentation of gifts to the Governor; rendition of special birthday songs.
Later in the morning, members of the State Executive Council, Local Government Council chairmen, Permanent Secretaries, Government House staff, Service Commanders, and many others visited the Fubara to wish him a glorious birthday and presented gifts. (Punch)
