Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that the right climate will be created for all political parties to operate so that they can engage with government and offer credible opposition.
He emphasised that it was the best thing to do, especially because the opposition political parties have acknowledged that elections are over, and are resolved to offer effective support required to advance good governance in the State.
Fubara spoke yesterday when he played host to the leadership of the state chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), led by its chairman, Barrister Sensei Solsuema Osaro, at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The governor insisted that an egalitarian society will be engendered so that people can feel free to voice their opinions without intimidation, because, according to him, those criticisms will contribute to having more focused implementation of policies that serve the general good of the State.
He said: “So, we are happy to identify with you. We are assuring you, even when you leave here, criticise me, I don’t have problem with that, it is meant to spur me to do well. We will continue to give you the freedom. We will not cage anybody. We will not revoke your property.
“You can also take my message to your National Secretariat, we will continue to stand on the right path. We will support them because we can see that they are also doing what is right. Anytime they need our support, let them feel free to ask for it.”
Fubara commended IPAC for identifying with his administration, and pledging to collaborate efforts for the good of the State.
The governor pointed out that no person who truly loves Rivers State, whether embittered, or not, will gladly want to burn down the State to achieve personal or political agenda.
He stated that whatever political strength anybody claims to have, it amounts to nothing without the State and its people.
Fubara assured that his team in Government will steadily work, genuinely, to protect the interest of the State.
While thanking the delegation for the vote of confidence passed on him and investing him as their Grand Patron, the governor urged them to tread the path of peace always in their activities.
He promised to consult with them and include their interest whenever appointments are made, and promised to donate a utility vehicle to enhance their logistics, while committing to support the upcoming programme of the body.
In his address, the Rivers State chairman of IPAC, Bartister Sensei Solsuema Osaro, thanked Fubara for the opportunity to meet with them, and announced that IPAC has passed a vote of confidence on the governor.
He also announced the decision of IPAC to honour the governor as the Grand Patron and Leader of the umbrella body of all political parties in the State.
Osaro said: “IPAC is a roundtable of political parties saddled with the responsibility of enlightenment, advocacy, educating, and inspiring courage among political parties and the society at large.
“With the elections come and gone, it is practically the time for governance and to ensure all derivables of dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State.
“Herein lies the core of our visit today to forge a collaborative bond with you, His Excellency, to foster partnership for the overall interest of Rivers State.
“We heartily congratulate you on your victory at Supreme Court judgement, which affirmed your election at the polls. To this end, we in IPAC have passed a vote of confidence on His Excellency, and assure you of our collaborative, collective and individual support to succeed now, and in the course of your administration, and after,” he added.
More than 17 state chairmen of registered political parties in the were in the delegation to pay a solidarity visit to the governor.
Highlights of the visit were the presentation of a large plaque of portrait picture, certificate as Grand Patron, IPAC T-Shirt and Fez Cap by IPAC chairman to Governor Fubara.
