Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, asserted his resilience on Thursday, emphasizing that no orchestrated acts of sabotage would compel him to relinquish the mandate entrusted to him for the service, protection, and advancement of the state.
Speaking at the 115th and 116th combined Quarterly General Meeting of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt, Fubara reiterated his dedication to governing with humility, sincerity of purpose, and accountability.
The governor expressed his unwavering commitment, stating, “Despite these challenging times, let us not forget that Rivers State is our shared heritage, presently under my watch, to protect, defend, and advance as the Governor. I assure you that I will not falter in this responsibility, nor will I yield our mandate and progress to intimidation, blackmail, and deliberate sabotage.”
Fubara highlighted his determination to implement substantial measures to enhance education, healthcare, and social services throughout the state, ensuring that every part, including rural areas, experiences progress. He announced that the 2024 state budget would prioritize and allocate sufficient funds to achieve universal access to affordable and quality education and healthcare services in Rivers State.
“We will also take intentional steps to unleash the entrepreneurial spirit among our numerous unemployed youths through viable initiatives focused on skills development, entrepreneurship training, and targeted investments in commercial agriculture,” Fubara added.
Encouraging traditional rulers to maintain their integrity and uphold neutrality, the governor urged them to courageously speak truth to power to preserve their moral authority and legitimacy. Fubara acknowledged the challenges faced by the youth, particularly in rural areas, emphasizing the importance of peace and security for societal progress.
“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 concluded.