Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he will not be power drunk or allow the associated advantages and benefits that come with holding a lofty position in government change him.
Rather, the governor assured that he will remain committed to the vows he made to the Rivers people when he got their mandate, to completely put things in place that will transform the state.
Gov. Fubara made the remark when some leaders, elders and critical stakeholders in the state paid him a birthday visit at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday, to celebrate him as he clocked 50 years.
The governor explained that he had never subscribed to celebrating birthdays, but seeing leaders of the state gather to celebrate him made him teary.
“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.
Read Also: Gov. Otu moves to reclaim oil wells ceded to other states
“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 every one of you that have decided and ready to sacrifice everything for us.
“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,” he said.
The governor expressed gratitude to God for His divine grace, and thanked all the leaders who made sacrifices to attend his birthday celebration.
Former Governor of the state, Celestine Omehia, thanked God for installing Gov. Fubara, whom he acknowledged has become a deliverer of the state and its people from the hands of those bent on destroying the state.
He 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 interests of the state and protect those interests.
Omehia recounted the strength of faith in God that Gov. Fubara has demonstrated, and pledged the continued support of Rivers people to ensure the success of his administration.
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 a person must give way to the king to perform his duties.
He regretted that the immediate past governor and Minister of the FCT, Nyeson Wike, who styled himself as a kingmaker has continued to do things to distract the king.
Prince Secondus, noted that amidst the brewing crisis, Rivers people, and indeed, Nigerians have come to admire and love the character of a man of steel, courage and total trust in God that Gov. Fubara has demonstrated.
