Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has declared that he will not be drunk with power or allow the associated advantages and benefits that come with holding a lofty position in government to change him.
Rather, Fubara assured that he will remain committed to his vows made to the Rivers people when he got their mandate, to completely put things in place that will transform the state into becoming what they dreamt it to become.
Fubara stated this on Tuesday when some leaders, elders and critical stakeholders of the state visited him to celebrate his 50th birthday at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The governor who explained that he had never subscribed to celebrating birthdays said seeing leaders of the state gathering to celebrate him pulled out tears of joy from his eyes.
“I want to say that I will still be the Fubara that you know; power will not change me. I will still make sure that what I hold dear in life remains, which is God and my respect for people. I will continue to maintain it.
“Power will come, power will go, but I will still remain the Fubara that you know. With your support, that Rivers State that we all yearn for, we will definitely, even if we don’t get it completely, we will put those things in place that will channel and drive us to that Rivers State, with your support,” Fubara said.
He added, “That is the only thing that I know I can assure you. I will not do anything, act in any manner that will bring disgrace to myself or to everyone of you that have decided and ready to sacrifice everything for us.
“This morning is a birthday morning. It is not a morning to discuss politics. It is a morning to say I am happy, I am 50 years, according to you. But the most important thing is, I am celebrating my Golden Jubilee. It means that I have joined the league of the old men from today.”
Fubara, on behalf of his wife, Lady Valerie and family, expressed gratitude to God for divine grace, and thanked all the leaders who made sacrifices to be in attendance so early to wish him well.
In his remark, a former Governor of the state, Sir Celestine Omehia thanked God for installing Governor Fubara who he noted to have become a deliverer of the State and its people from the hands of those he said were bent on destroying Rivers State.
Omehua said it is worthwhile to celebrate such a patient and meticulous leader, loved by all Nigerians on his 50th birthday because he has continued to prioritise the interest of the State and protect it.
The former governor recounted the strength of faith in God that Fubara has demonstrated as well as how he has enjoyed divine direction in governance.
He pledged the continued support of Rivers people to Governor Fubara towards ensuring the success of his administration.
In his speech, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, said regardless of who a kingmaker is, as soon as the king is crowned, such person must give way to the king to perform his duties.
Secondus noted that the people of Rivers and indeed, Nigerians have come to admire and love the character of steel, fear and total trust in God that Governor Fubara has demonstrated by forging unity, and inclusivity which he said testified that his mandate is divine.
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