The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the decisions taken by his administration in the evolving political crisis in the state were not borne out of fear, but for peace to reign in the state.
Fubara said this while addressing Rivers people at the maiden state banquet held by his administration at Government House Port Harcourt on Monday to celebrate the New Year, according to a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Boniface Onyedi.
The governor, who wished Rivers people a fruitful and prosperous 2024, appealed to them to embrace the ongoing peace process initiated by President Bola Tinubu, stating that his administration would not be enmeshed in any dirty political war that would hinder the promising prospects of development in the state.
“Every decision that we’ve taken is not borne out of fear but because we have the interest of our people and we have respect for elders
“I’m appealing to everyone of us to embrace the peace. We need this peace because our intention for the state is not for our personal interest but that of the development of the state
“So when we are faced with this type of situation we consider the actions and reactions. Who is going to suffer? Fubara will not suffer, but one million supporters will suffer,” he said.
Fubara declared that the resignation of the factional Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Edison Ehie, from his position and the legislature was in the interest of peace.
“I want to leave you with only this message, we will not disappoint you. We also will not be involved in any dirty fighting because we know that we are going to be the losers.
“Therefore, whatever it will take as seen in our decisions, yesterday (Sunday) a lot of people were worried about why would the Speaker resign. It is to tell you what we can do for peace to reign,” he said.
The governor disclosed that his administration was determined to live a legacy of unity and development in Rivers State, and not a legacy of political apprehension.
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo expressed gratitude to God that despite the political turbulence in the state, the governor remained focused to dispense the dividends of democracy in the state.
He stated that Rivers State is blessed to have a governor that is “calculated, humble, honest and hardworking”, and urged Rivers people to be apostles of peace, truth and justice for the state to continue on a trajectory of greatness.