By: Felix Ikpotor
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he will not allow the advantages and benefits that come with holding a political office to change him from who he is known to be.
Rather, he assured that he will remain committed to his vows made to Rivers people to transform the State to become what they dreamt it to become.
Fubara who made the remark when some leaders, elders and critical stakeholders of the State paid him a visit to celebrate his 50th birthday at Government House in Port Harcourt, noted that he had never subscribed to celebrating birthdays but seeing leaders of the State gather to celebrate him pulled out tears of joy from his eyes.
The Governor said: “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.”
He emphasised that he will not do anything or act in any manner that will bring disgrace to himself or to those who have made sacrifices for him and the state.
Governor Fubara, on behalf of his wife, Lady Valerie and family, expressed gratitude to God for divine grace, and thanked all the leaders who made sacrifices to be in attendance so early to wish him well adding; “This morning is a birthday morning. It is not a morning to discuss politics. It is a morning to say I am happy, 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.”
In his remark, one of the leaders, Sir Celestine Omehia, thanked God for installing Governor Fubara, whom he said has become a deliverer of the state and its people from the hands of those bent on destroying the state.
He said emphasised that it was worthwhile to celebrate Fubara on his 50th birthday because he has continued to prioritise the interest of the State and protect it.
Omehia used the medium to pledge the continued support of Rivers people to the success of Fubara’s administration.
