• The worse that will happen is for me to leave the office”, the Rivers Governor declares

By PHC Telegraph

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State says he is not perturbed about steps that are being taken in some quarters by persons who are currently fighting to put down his government.

The Governor declared in Port Harcourt on Monday while commissioning a housing project for Government House staff that he is not afraid of anything.

“Let me say it again: I am not scared of anything, the worse that will happen is for me to leave the office. Am I leaving the earth?  Is it going to stop me from existing?

“So, I am not even bothered about that. But the right thing must be done, and must be said when the opportunity is given to us”, Fubara said.

He expressed gratitude to Rivers people, particularly the youths for the organic support that he has received from them.

He noted, “Let me thank everyone, more especially our youths. Be strong, don’t be perturbed. I assure you, at the right time, you will hear from us.”

Governor Fubara explained why it has to be known by everybody that the interest of Rivers State remains his top priority.

He observed that in pursuit of the common good of the Rivers people who continue to inspire him, he will not hesitate to pay the supreme price, if it is so required.

Governor Fubara however stated that his strength comes from God Almighty and all Rivers people who love the State and are interested in its progress and peace.

He said that there is honour and glory in fighting gallantly, essentially on the side of truth.

Fubara quoted Philippians 3 verse 18-19, which says: “For as I have often told you before, and now, I tell you again, even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, and their god is in their stomach, and their glory is in their shame, their mind is set on earthly things only.”

Continuing, the Governor remarked, “Just like the word said, we are not after our stomach, we are after the joy of our people, that at the end of the day, what will count for us is the lives that we have touched genuinely, the legacy we leave that will speak for us, that will open doors for our children, the generations yet unborn.

“Knowing that and having that in mind, it spurs us, it forces me, as a person, to stand on the side of right, to do good, to stand on the side of truth that even if anybody calls me tomorrow, I should be bold to defend my actions.”

He said despite attempts to distract his administration, other projects lined up for inauguration in the days to come, are proof of the fact that good governance is on course in Rivers State.

“Here is a legitimate, purpose-driven governance in Rivers State, and we are here to display, genuinely, not because of our own selfish interest, one of those things that this government has done to show that we appreciate, understand the need, and must continue to do what is right for our people.

“When we came on board, this building was a dilapidated building, completely unhabitable. We felt we must add value, which is the basis of our governance, to what we met, and we decided that, look, our staff can’t be living in uncomfortable place, they can’t leave like animals while I leave in big comfortable place.

“How would I get efficiency from my workers if they are not happy, and the government decided to embark on this project. I am happy that the contractor delivered it within the time limit.”

In his address, Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie thanked the Governor for embarking on the reconstruction of the project, and for tastefully furnishing the facility to make living comfortable for workers.

Providing the project description, Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mr Chukwuma Ndudi Augustine, said the project was awarded on June 6, 2024 to Monier Construction Company (MCC), and today, staff of government will have a more comfortable accommodation that will impact positively on their productivity.

He stated: “The Government House Staff Quarters has 6 numbers of two bedroom, 11 numbers of one bedroom, 11 numbers of Boys Quarters. Hostel A has 32 bed spaces, Hostel B has 30 bed spaces. There is canteen, cafeteria, gymnasium – fitness centre where staff will be exercising themselves, mini basketball court, a soundproof power generating plant, water tank. The contract is completed, and contract sum fully paid.”