Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has affirmed that he would not govern the state from a position of submission, amidst what he described as ongoing efforts to destroy the soul of the state.
Fubara vowed that he would not rule the state on his knees.
Fubara, who is currently engaged in a political dispute with his immediate predecessor, Nyesom Wike, appealed for the backing of all concerned individuals in the state to safeguard its future.
Fubara made these statements during a speech at the Ubima country home of a former governor of the state, Sir Celestine Omehia, in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The governor, along with a group of some elders from the state, paid a visit to Omehia to offer their condolences on the recent passing of his mother, Mrs Ezinne Cecilia Omehia.
He said, “I have come here with very few respected elders of the state, to come and support you and say to you that ‘we sorrow with you’.
“The most important thing is to show our concern and love. Any human being who shows enmity to death, that person is not even normal.
“We also rejoice with you for a life lived well to fulfilment by Mama. We wish Mama a safe journey. Let her stay well where she has gone.”
Fubara emphasised the importance of unity and determination among those who truly care about the well-being of Rivers State.
The governor decried the evil of politics and bitterness and the telling danger it has on the progress of the state, which, according to him, should be discouraged as a bad political culture in contemporary times.
Fubara said, “Anybody who claims to love this state should not be party to anything, directly or indirectly, that will bring us backwards. We will continue to support every course that will advance the interests of our dear Rivers State.
“And I am happy to say, and I’ve said it over and again, it doesn’t matter the number of people that are standing with me, I will stand on that side of truth.”
The governor emphasised, “I will not, I repeat, I will not govern our dear state on my knees. If that was the purpose, I will not do that. I will stand to govern our dear state and stand continually on the side of right.
He thanked the elders and told them bitterness would not take the state anywhere. He stated that they need to work together to help the state get to the position that people said it should be.
“But politics of bitterness will not take us anywhere. So, I want to thank you that, at this stage, we have a few of you who understand that Rivers State belongs to every one of us. We must, therefore, fight together to sustain the soul of this state,” he added.
END.