Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that God gave him a new perspective on leadership during the period of antagonism he was faced with. He added that God has proved himself worthy as the ultimate liberator of the State and its people because He ensured total triumph over the political crisis and those behind it.
Governor Fubara spoke during the event where the former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili held the Christmas Ballad at his home in Old GRA, Port Harcourt City, Port Harcourt Local Government Area, on Friday night.
The governor claimed that although the political hostility persisted, God gave him a fresh outlook on leadership and that, with the help of the Rivers people, he was able to perceive the crisis not as an issue but as an essential tool for governing.
“And not just because I want to accept it; I get stronger in this course every day when I look at the support I am getting from the true Rivers people,” he said.
“So, it is not me being strong. My strength is drawn from every one of you that is here. You gave me encouragement; you do the work for me; you make the calls for me. So, why won’t I stand up for you?
“But we also believe strongly that the ultimate game changer, the ultimate liberator, and the ultimate fighter remain God Almighty. And because we have Him on our side, victory is assured.”
As they anticipate a highly prosperous 2025, Governor Fubara emphasized that God is in charge of the State’s affairs and they should be certain that it would be better than what they have already experienced.
He emphasized that the joy felt by Rivers residents during the Christmas celebrations is a sign of a better future to come and reassured them of his administration’s resolve to improve every year in the state with outstanding records of success.
“It is also pleasing to witness well-meaning Rivers people and honest state leaders standing on the right side of history in spite of the pressure to submit to injustice and tyranny,” added Governor Fubara, who pledged to keep up the good work.
“I want to thank everyone, and I assure you that we will continue to run a government that will uplift the image of the State. We will not be tyrants.
“We will remember that what we are doing here today is a shift job and that one day, our time will be up, and we’ll leave for another person to take over.
“We will remember that what we are doing here today is a shift job and that one day, our time will be up, and we’ll leave for another person to take over.
“And what is important is to allow the machine to keep running effectively so that when the other person comes, he continues with that steam for progress in the state. So, I thank every one of you for your support.”
Assuring that even though it may not be easy for him as a human, Governor Fubara will make every effort to avoid doing anything that would bring shame to Rivers State, he prayed to God to continue to flood Odili’s family with love and serenity.
Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, also spoke, recalling how the crisis that broke out in the assembly left them reeling. He claimed that Governor Fubara’s support gave him and a few others the confidence to speak out in order to free the state.
“As a family, we decided to host Fubara and his family to a night of various sing-songs and other activities in appreciation of the fortitude and sterling leadership qualities he has demonstrated,” Odili said in his welcome address.
Odili clarified that it has been more than a year since October 25, 2023, when Governor Fubara was the target of an unwarranted existential battle for the soul of Rivers State.
He claimed that Governor Fubara faced the issue with reassuring strength, stopped one man’s attempt to seize the state as private property, freed the Rivers people, stabilized administration, and restored the happiness of public servants and Rivers people to their pre-loss status.
In her speech, Justice Mary Odili, who presented gifts to Governor Fubara, his wife, Lady Valerie, and children, said God knew long ago the need for an emancipator and gave Governor Fubara to Rivers State, explaining that he had played the role satisfactorily and pledged the continuous support of her family to the success of his administration.
