In a bold response to the recent barrage of criticisms directed at him, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has resolutely stated he will never sacrifice his kidney or liver in the name of loyalty. This statement comes amid mounting tensions surrounding his administration and allegations against him.
“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. I will not do the wrong thing. I will stand for the side of right,” Fubara declared.
Fubara also addressed allegations made by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, regarding a purported state-sponsored attempt to bomb a civic reception in his honor.
“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,” he emphasized.
The governor made these remarks during the Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service held at St. Paul’s Cathedral of the Anglican Communion in Port Harcourt, which was part of the 64th Independence Day celebrations.
In his address, Fubara highlighted the significant financial commitments his administration has made towards infrastructural development, including a N200 billion loan from Zenith Bank to fund the construction of the 50.15-kilometer Port Harcourt Ring Road and a N225.1 billion project for the Trans-Kalabari Road.
“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. So, tell them that what I did in one year is what they did in eight years. It is only an empty container that makes noise,” he stated.
Fubara expressed pride in his administration’s achievements and emphasized his commitment to the people of Rivers State.
“Very soon, you will see what we are doing. It is not about doing roads to your business interest. I don’t have any business interest. Whatever I am doing, I am doing it for the people of Rivers State,” he affirmed.
He further elaborated on the importance of his state, saying, “This State is important to us. It is the only thing that we have. It is the beautiful pride. That is why they are struggling, coupled with the improvement in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) we have done. But, do it with modesty; you don’t need to destroy the house.”
Fubara went on to touch upon spiritual themes, stating, “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. And when they continue, He will come heavily, and then, they would say, it would have been better that they had left when they had time. That will be our story in this State.”
The Governor reaffirmed his allegiance to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), amidst ongoing internal crises.
“As a matter of fact, I am a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but I know that there will be an election that I am conducting. So, I have to invite you to come and receive prayers,” he stated, urging for a peaceful electoral process.
The Archbishop of Niger Delta Province, Most Reverend Blessing Enyindah, who preached during the service, lamented the state of the nation on its 64th Independence anniversary, describing it as “a country under siege.” He criticized political leaders for exacerbating the suffering of citizens rather than liberating them from economic and social hardships.
With a mix of defiance and a call for unity, Fubara’s remarks underscore a turbulent political landscape in Rivers State, as the Governor aims to navigate through mounting challenges while maintaining a commitment to his constituents.