Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara said Saturday’s proposed Local Government election will produce a new political structure owned by the Rivers people.
The Governor spoke when he received on solidarity visit leaders and members of the Simplicity Movement led by High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday.
High Chief Jackrich, popularly known as Egberipapa, was also the governorship candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) in the 2023 election in Rivers.
Fubara in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, said he hardly came out to receive people but he personally received the group to show respect to the leadership of the Simplicity Movement.
Fubara said: “Our journey is just starting. We are preparing for election on the 5th of October. I want you to participate actively in that election.
“That election is going to be the turnaround. That election is the rebirth of a new and strong structure that doesn’t belong to anybody; and you can see that that is why they are running everywhere to stop it.
“What is structure? Structure is ownership: the one who controls the LGA; the one who controls the resources; the one who gives employment to our local people; the one who shares the State and the local government resources among its people. And that is what I want this government to stand for (and defend in the interest of the people).”
He explained the group and its leadership were people, who on their volition decided to declare support to his administration.
He said: “You know at this time, people are paying people money but we don’t do it. People come out on their own to show support to us. Knowing the calibre of the founder of this group, knowing the role he has played with other people, and him choosing to be part of the success of our administration, I said I was going to honour him by coming to address you.”
Fubara commended the group for their decision to identify with his administration, and enjoined them to remain firm in their commitment to defend and protect the interest of Rivers State at all times.
He said: “We must defend the dignity of our State. We must ensure that the commonwealth of this State belongs to everyone. That is why our slogan is ‘Rivers First’. Because we believe that if we take Rivers first, there won’t be crime. If we take Rivers first, there won’t be hunger. If we take Rivers first, there will be employment.”
Fubara told them that the journey of liberating the state had begun, adding that the forthcoming election would be another opportunity for Rivers people to witness the rebirth of truly new political structure.
He urged them to freely participate in the election describing it as an important ingredient that would help his administration to chart the second phase of the struggle.
Fubara pointed to the need for them to continue to maintain the peace that he had always preached all the time.
He told the group that the state was dear to him, stressing that anyone, who loved the state would understand the importance of maintaining peace.
He said: “Anybody who is taking the side of violence doesn’t love the State. That is the truth! If you love the State, you will take to the path of peace. So, please, while you go about supporting me, maintain law and order. Be peaceful.
“So, continue to be strong for Rivers State, not for Fubara. I can also say this here: If Fubara is not here, God would have also provided another person that would have also taken this course, because it is a divine course. That is the truth!
“But, however, we are the ones here. We will stand with you, and with your support, we will walk the talk to the end.”
