Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has made it clear that while he is committed to standing up for what is right, he will not sacrifice his liver or kidney for anyone in the name of loyalty. This statement came as part of his remarks on Sunday, which appeared to be a direct response to comments made by his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Wike, during a Saturday event organized by the Ijaw Peoples Congress in Rivers State, had claimed responsibility for Fubara's rise to the governorship, yet accused him of abandoning those who supported him after the election. This accusation has fueled a back-and-forth between the two politicians, highlighting the tensions between their administrations.[/p>
In his response on Sunday, during the Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service held at St. Paul’s Cathedral of the Anglican Communion in Port Harcourt, Fubara expressed his firm belief in the importance of doing what is right, even if he stands alone in that conviction. He stated, “As a matter of fact, I belong to that school of thought that if I am the only person that needs to stand on that side of right, I will stand there. I don’t need anybody to stand with me. I cannot give my kidney or liver to anybody, I won’t. If that is the only reason for me to be loyal, I will not be. But, I will not do the wrong thing. I will stand for the side of right.”[/p>
Further addressing the tensions with Wike, Fubara denied any allegations regarding a supposed attempt to bomb the venue of a civic reception organized by the Rivers Ijaw People’s Council, RIVCO, in his honor. He asserted that he has never instructed any security agency to engage in wrongful actions, emphasizing his commitment to ethical governance. “I make bold to say it, there is no security agency in this State that I have called any day to go and do something wrong. I have never. I don’t have a need for it. But I know what they do, and they keep failing because God has left them,” Fubara said.
The governor took the opportunity to highlight various projects undertaken by his administration, countering claims that he has not contributed to the development of Rivers State. He confidently stated that he has accomplished more in one year than Wike did in his eight years as governor. Fubara further mocked Wike by mentioning the inclusion of a psychiatric wing in the General Hospital project, suggesting that it would be beneficial for those attacking him. He said, “It is this same Fubara that is building a General Hospital, which I also included a Psychiatric Hospital because they will need it very soon.”[/p>
In detailing his administration’s achievements, Fubara disclosed that he signed loan agreements worth N200 billion with Zenith Bank to fund the construction of a 50.15-kilometer dual carriage Port Harcourt Ring Road, a project initiated under his leadership. He also mentioned the ongoing construction of the Trans-Kalabari Road project valued at N225.1 billion, asserting that his administration is executing these projects without incurring debt. “It is Fubara that awarded the Trans-Kalabari Road that they couldn’t do,” he added, emphasizing his commitment to completing infrastructure projects that were left unfinished by the previous administration. [/p>
The governor stated, “They even say, they don’t know what we are doing. Let me remind them, it is Fubara that signed the paper to borrow from Zenith Bank the N200 billion for the construction of the Port Harcourt Ring Road. So, it is my project. I didn’t borrow. It is this same Fubara that is building a General Hospital, which I also included a Psychiatric Hospital because they will need it very soon.” He asserted that the work he has done in one year outstrips the contributions of his predecessor in eight years, reinforcing his position with, “It is only empty containers that make noise.”[/p>
In another veiled reference to Wike, Fubara commented on the behavior of individuals seeking recognition through loud proclamations, suggesting that such actions indicate a loss of relevance. “God has a reason for allowing the devil or the evil one to stay long. It is not that He can’t take him or take them away but He gives them time to repent,” he said, implying that those who continue to make noise are only demonstrating their diminishing importance. [/p>
Despite the ongoing political tensions, Fubara affirmed his allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation within the party ahead of upcoming elections. “As a matter of fact, I am a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but I know that there will be election that I am conducting,” he stated, urging all participants to prioritize the welfare of the people in their campaign efforts. [/p>
In conclusion, Governor Fubara expressed confidence in his administration’s progress and commitment to the people of Rivers State, pledging to continue working for their benefit without fear or compromise.