Amidst the political crisis rocking Rivers State, the Obong of Calabar, Okon Abasi-Otu V, has advised Governor Siminalayi Fubara not to be distracted, but that he should focus on meeting the desires of the citizenry who voted him into office.
The monarch gave the advice while commissioning the palace of the Eze Oha Apara, Chike Worlu-Wodo, the paramount ruler of Ekinigbo in Rumuigbo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
The monarch said: “I don’t intend to descend into the political arena. However, as a father, I must stand with the truth and show solidarity with you during this turbulent time.
“There have been a lot of political rumblings in Rivers State, but I will stick to and re-emphasize the fact, which is that you are the governor of Rivers State, a mandate freely, willingly, peacefully and resoundingly given to you, no other person, but you by the people of Rivers State.
“Do not let them distract you. Shut out the noise, and focus on delivering the dividends of democracy to the generality of the good people of Rivers State, who, combined together, are your employers and your boss.”
He commended Gov. Fubara for identifying with the traditional institution, urging other governors and political office holders to emulate what the governor has done for the traditional institution and be desirous in providing people-oriented projects to their people.
Read also: Tinubu approves free train rides for two weeks
Gov. Fubara said that he is not of the stock of politicians who exclude communities or a local government area from enjoying the dividends of democracy because of sheer political disagreement.
The governor stated that he appreciates the fact that disagreements cannot be avoided, but he believes no section of the state should be denied the requisite public amenities or government support because of such disagreements.
“Like they said, if it were in other cases, I wouldn’t be interested. No, no, no. I don’t play politics that way. He’s our chairman, he’s from Rivers State and whatever we are doing, it is not my personal fund; it is the resources of the state. We should apply it for the betterment of our state.
“The only thing I will ask you in return is continue to support this administration. Be law- abiding. That is the only way we can get more progress and development into your communities. No matter the level of provocation, try to control your temper. We don’t use fight to resolve fight. You use peace, apply it well using the Artificial Intelligence method to defeat troublemakers,” Gov. Fubara said.
