Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, is defying critics who predicted his downfall within a week of taking office.
He delivered this bold statement during the Rivers State Day of Thanksgiving, Praise and Worship, held on October 30, 2024.
Thousands of enthusiastic Rivers residents attended the event at the Main Bowl of Alfred Diette-Spiff Civic Centre in Port Harcourt.
This gathering included notable worship leaders, clergymen, and gospel artists who came together to celebrate Fubara’s administration, which has faced serious challenges since its inception.
Fubara recalled that when he assumed office, some individuals boasted they would ensure he would not last beyond a week.
He stated, “They said we wouldn’t last for one week, but here we are, over one year strong.”
The governor took a moment to express his gratitude to God for protecting him from what he termed an “assassination attempt” against both himself and the people of Rivers State.
The governor referred to the tumultuous events of October 30, 2023, when undemocratic elements tried to disrupt his administration.
He said, “If you were not with us, if you had not stood with us, we wouldn’t be here at this hour.”
Fubara characterized the attempted coup against his government as an assault on the people of Rivers State.
He emphasized, “They needed to kill one person so that everybody would be declared dead. But somehow, by the grace of God, they failed.”
In light of this, Fubara urged Rivers people to remain strong and united.
His administration is proud of its accomplishments, which he claims have been achieved through transparency and accountability.
BudgIT, a civic-tech organization, ranked Rivers State first in its 2024 Fiscal Performance Ranking among all 36 states in Nigeria.
The governor remarked, “We are not here to steal your money; we are here to be accountable.”
Fubara assured the people that his administration is committed to quality governance.
He acknowledged that the journey has been challenging but expressed confidence in overcoming all obstacles.
“I now ask the question: who is the winner?” he posed, emphasizing that his administration would not celebrate failure.
During his address, he addressed concerns about social media rumors, asserting that these distractions would not deter his administration’s progress.
He promised, “By tomorrow, I will still pay my contractors. Your salaries will come through.”
Fubara also touched on the significance of the Presidential Peace Accord, which he claimed he sincerely implemented by withdrawing legal suits.
However, he expressed disappointment that the other party did not adhere to the same principles.
He stated, “You call yourself honourable, but you cannot obey simple instructions. How is Fubara the problem?”
He urged his supporters not to listen to those who misinterpret his actions.
In a strong message to his detractors, Fubara declared, “Let me see how they will come to life when we don’t do it.”
His address resonated with the crowd, many of whom expressed their support through cheers and applause.
Rev. Uma Ukpai, who delivered a brief exhortation, emphasized the importance of peace in Rivers State.
He called for an end to disruptive activities that threaten the community’s stability.
Ukpai declared, “God abhors troublemakers whose activities create an uncomfortable living environment.”
The event culminated in performances by various gospel artists, including Preye Odede and Frank Edwards, fostering a spirit of unity and hope.
A statement from the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, highlighted the day’s festivities and emphasized the administration’s commitment to the people.
The event served not only as a celebration but also as a reaffirmation of Fubara’s governance philosophy.
He reiterated that his administration would focus on long-lasting legacies that would benefit Rivers State in the future.
Fubara concluded, “We will continue to do things that stand the test of time.”