I will not succumb to blackmail, Fubara declares.
Despite significant criticism of his anti-mass economic policies, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has gotten great appreciation for some of the economic efforts launched by his administration to bring the country back on track for national progress and development.
Giving the appraisal on Tuesday to mark the country’s 64th independence anniversary in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, taunted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, and others that his administration will not surrender to barefaced blackmail while committing to consolidating on the gains made in ensuring peace, advancing good governance, delivering more critical projects, and maintaining the increase in the Internal
Governor Fubara recalled with nostalgia the momentous event of October 1, 1960, when Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, raised the country’s much-loved green-white-green flag to symbolise independence and liberation from British colonial authority.
“Our founding fathers’ objective at independence was to create a cohesive and secure nation based on the values of fraternity, democracy, justice, and equality for all peoples, tribes, and nations.
“Our leaders, past and present, have kept on doing their best to keep the country together and advance the progress and well-being of the citizens.”
Despite these sacrifices, Governor Fubara stated that after 64 years of self-rule, Nigeria continues to struggle with a variety of difficulties, including pervasive human insecurity. “But, despite the economic difficulty and social evils that plague our country and stifle its progress, we nevertheless have good reasons to celebrate and be thanks to God as a nation and people.
“We are well-known around the world for our hard work, confidence, and fun. We are recognised for our vast natural and human resources, as well as our economic potential. We are also known for our vast cultural diversity—a thriving country where various religions, languages, and traditions coexist harmoniously.”
“Let us also commit ourselves to work hand in hand with the Federal Government to tackle the economic, social, and political challenges, including judicial terrorism, nepotism, corruption, and abuse of power, that have diminished our democracy, stifled our economic growth, and caused untold hardship to our people.” .
The Rivers State Governor praised President Bola Tinubu for his bravery and drive in pursuing economic reforms aimed at correcting historical structural abnormalities.
He called on “fellow governors to redouble their efforts to fight the scourge of insecurity and banditry in the North, as well as pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta region of the country, to ensure the ongoing economic reforms yield the necessary positive results.”
“On our part, we assure the Federal Government and Mr. President of the unwavering allegiance and support of the government and people of Rivers State, and we reiterate our commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress as one indivisible nation.
“We will continue to support and work with the Federal Government and the security agencies to advance the security and well-being of all citizens, protect national economic assets, and guarantee the security and smooth operations of local, national, and multinational companies and investments in our state.”
Governor Fubara promised that his administration would work hard to safeguard the safety and security of people and property while also ensuring equal social and economic opportunity for all Rivers State inhabitants.