Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has dismissed the behavior of individuals seeking societal recognition as trivial and unworthy of prestige.
Speaking during an inter-denominational church thanksgiving service to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Port Harcourt, he emphasized that those who place undue emphasis on public acknowledgment have “lost it,” asserting that he requires no such introduction by the grace of God.
Governor Fubara noted that those opposing his administration have expressed frustration at the solid management of state affairs and the milestones achieved under his leadership. He accused these critics of attempting to claim control over Rivers State as if it were their personal estate, insisting that his administration has already secured it for all Rivers people.
“The frustration you are seeing in their faces today is about this point we have gotten to. So, please, be strong. All the Babylonians that we are seeing today, you will not see them again,” he declared. Fubara added, “God allows the devil or the evil one to stay for a time, not because He can’t remove them, but to give them a chance to repent. When they continue in their ways, He will act decisively, and they will realize too late that they should have left when they had the opportunity.”
He further emphasized, “Anyone making noise for recognition is simply showing they have lost it. By the special grace of God, I don’t need an introduction. I have the name, and I am the one standing here.”
To counter false narratives, the governor clarified that he signed the N200 billion loan agreement with Zenith Bank to fund the construction of the 50.15-kilometer dual carriage Port Harcourt Ring Road a project initiated by his administration.
He also highlighted the commencement of the Trans-Kalabari Road project, worth N225.1 billion, and the establishment of general and psychiatric hospitals in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, asserting that these initiatives are being financed without incurring further debt.
“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,” he stated. “I am also the one completing the Trans-Kalabari Road that was left undone. What I have achieved in one year is what they could not accomplish in eight.”
The governor remarked, “Empty containers make the most noise. If God has given you an opportunity, do your work quietly. God will continue to grant us strength to serve our people without fear.”
Fubara insisted that continuous criticism reflects the grace of God on his life and the struggles of those clamoring for unwarranted public recognition. He emphasized his commitment to undertaking meaningful projects rather than mere ceremonial groundbreaking, assuring that all initiated projects will be completed and put to public use.
“Very soon, you will see what we are doing. It’s not about doing roads for personal gain. I have no business interests. Everything I do is for the people of Rivers State,” he affirmed. “We will not make decisions that we cannot defend, nor will we engage in actions that could bring disgrace to our state. Rivers is our pride, and we are committed to its betterment.”
Fubara concluded by acknowledging the improvements in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), attributing the struggles of his critics to their failure to adapt while advocating for modesty and responsible governance.
