Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s determination to positivity impact on the lives of the people by ensuring that their welfare is the upmost concern of government.
This is as he also declared that the policy trust of his administration is not to enslave the people, but to make them feel free and happy, even at difficult times.
Gov. Fubara made the assertion while speaking at the 7th anniversary celebration of the coronation of Cassidy Ikegbidi, the traditional ruler of Ancient Akoh Kingdom at Igbu Akoh in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.
He said that “we must continue to encourage our people and to make them understand that government is about the welfare of the people. When the people are happy, the government is succeeding.
“The success of a government is not you being a bully; it is not you being a dictator. It is about the people feeling free; it is about the people feeling happy.
“Even if you are not doing all they want, they should be free, they should have the freedom to express themselves, even in a bitter situation and that is the policy of our government.
“Even if we don’t provide everything, I want you to be free as that freedom is even enough assurance to make you happy, because you’re not in bondage. So, the bondage that you were in, I don’t want to call the number of years, I hereby relief you of that bondage. So, feel free.”
Gov. Fubara pointed out that he was in Igbu Akoh to solidarize with traditional ruler, who has been persecuted for supporting his administration and standing on the side of truth at the detriment of his kingdom.
The governor, while congratulating the monarch for his 7th anniversary on the throne, wished him long reign and admonished him to rule his subjects with the fear of God.
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He approved the request of the monarch to reconstruct the Odioku-Okporomini Road linking Ahoada East and Emohua Local Government Areas of the state, to facilitate the movement of Akoh people living in the boundary area with Emohua.
Gov. Fubara urged the people of the area not to worry about the sentiments being expressed in various quarters about the situation in the state, noting that at the appropriate time, the people will know who is in -charge.
He charged the people to ensure that peace reigns in Akoh and by extension the Ekpeye Kingdom by standing against every tendency that will bring division among them in order to propel development in the kingdom.
In his remarks, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi, lauded Gov. Fubara for the honour done him by attending the occasion, and assured him of the support and loyalty of the Akoh people, which he said will be reciprocated in 2027.
