8th December, 2023
By Paul Dada
In what seems to be subtle swipe at his estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, the Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, says no one can intimidate him as he has a mandate to serve given to him by the people of the state.
Fubara who said this while declaring open the 115 and 116 combined Quarterly General Meeting of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port-Harcourt , is believed to be having political differences with Wike his predecessor and current Federal Minister for the Federal Capital Territory.
He said: “Although these are trying times, let us not forget that Rivers State is our collective inheritance, presently under my watch, to protect, defend and advance it as the Governor.
“I assure you that I will not fail in this responsibility nor will I surrender our mandate and progress to intimidation, blackmail and deliberate sabotage.
“I reaffirm my earlier statement and recommit myself to the path of peace as there is nothing to gain in a state of needless crisis.”
Fubara told the traditional rulers to ensure they are upright. He urged them not to compromise their neutrality.
“We must all be worried about the plight of our youths, especially those in rural communities, most of whom are poor, neglected and almost forgotten in the government’s development plans, policies, and actions.
“As we all know, no human society can progress without peace and security.
“I will, therefore, urge you to continue to work tirelessly for the preservation of peace and security to attract sustainable development to your communities,” he said.