Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, says that his administration is guided by the fear of God and not modelled after the authoritarian rule of the biblical Babylonians.
Fubara made this assertion on Tuesday while addressing the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, who had written a letter of appreciation and expressed their intention to honour him with an award.
“It is not because we are meeting all their needs but because we are putting human face to governance.
“We are not running it like Nebuchadnezzar’s time,” he stated while inaugurating the newly constructed one-storey twin-building Labour House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The project was undertaken by the administration of Governor Douye Diri, Vanguard reports.
“We are not running it like the Babylonians. We are running it with the Jesus style where love takes the lead over everything. Where love is what should be in front and behind,” he said.
Reflecting on the political turbulence that engulfed his administration in 2023, Fubara noted that prioritising the welfare of Rivers workers became a crucial step in fostering a motivated workforce to drive the “Rivers First” agenda.
According to him, the result has been unprecedented industrial harmony, with workers feeling more valued and committed to greater productivity.
Fubara recounted how, while en route to Abuja for a high-level political reconciliation meeting amid the crisis, he found himself deeply concerned about the hardships faced by Rivers workers.
This reflection, he said, prompted his decision to pay a Christmas bonus of N100,000 to every worker across all grade levels in December 2023—a gesture he later extended to retirees in 2024.
Commending the Bayelsa State Government for its positive relationship with labour unions, Fubara urged organised labour in the state to view such gestures as privileges rather than entitlements.
He encouraged them to embrace, defend, and protect these benefits while ensuring that external forces do not sow discord between them and the government.
Fubara also expressed sorrow over the passing of elder statesman Edwin Clark, acknowledging his profound impact on national and regional affairs.
“We are here, we just observed a minute silence for the death of our hero, Pa Edwin Clark. What is he remembered for? For his courage, truthfulness, doggedness, and the survival of this region,” he said.
Turning to Diri, Fubara urged him to remain steadfast in his commitment to justice and good governance.
“I want you to continue to stand for the same thing, and I can see that you are standing for what is right. That is what history will remember you for.
“History will not remember anyone for any destructive thing, don’t deceive yourself. Money and material things cannot be taken for a good name. So, please continue to do what is right. History and the good people of Bayelsa will forever remember you,” he said.
He further assured all that his administration would continue to foster a strong and productive relationship between Rivers and Bayelsa States.(Punch)
