Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will not bow to blatant blackmail by any individual or group, no matter how powerful.
He emphasised that the interests of the people remained his foremost priority and promised infrastructural development across the state.
This was contained in his speech delivered on Tuesday during the 64th Nigerian Independence Day Anniversary parade at the Government House Arcade in Port Harcourt.
Fubara, who is currently in a political standoff with his estranged political godfather and predecessor, Nyesom Wike, stated, “I assure you that we will never surrender to barefaced lies and blackmail from anyone, no matter how powerful they may be. We will remain focused and rededicated to the interest of the nation, our dear Rivers State, and the cause of our people.”
He expressed his gratitude to the people of Rivers State and his well-wishers across the country “for your support and standing with us on the side of courage, truth, and justice since the inception of our government to date.”
Fubara, who lamented the economic struggles of the nation, called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu in his efforts to turn the nation’s situation around.
He said, “The vision of our founding fathers at independence was to build a united and secure nation anchored on the values of brotherhood, democracy, justice, and equality for all peoples, tribes, and nations.
“Our leaders, past and present, have continued to do their best to keep the country together and advance the progress and well-being of the citizens.”
He urged Nigerians not to despair but to remain hopeful for a brighter future.
He also expressed his willingness to collaborate with the Federal Government to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
“Let us commit ourselves to work hand in hand with the Federal Government to tackle the economic, social, and political challenges—including judicial terrorism, nepotism, corruption, and abuse of power—that have diminished our democracy, stifled our economic growth, and caused untold hardship to our people.
“With an unyielding commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and good governance, and by working together for the common interest, we can overcome all our challenges and prevail over the enemies of progress,” Fubara said.
He further assured, “We will never compromise on our commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy and good governance to the citizens of Rivers State.
“We will complete the Port Harcourt Ring Road, the Ikwerre-Emohua-Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni link dual carriageway, and all other ongoing road projects as scheduled. We will also deliver the N225bn Trans-Kalabari Road before the end of our first term.
“We are giving considerable attention to education through the rehabilitation of schools, provision of educational materials, implementation of the 65-year teachers’ retirement age, and approval for the recruitment of more teachers in line with the recommendations of the Needs Assessment Committee Report.”
Easier say than done