Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, talked rough on Thursday, saying no level of sabotage deliberately staged in some quarters would make him abandon the mandate given to him to serve, protect and advance the fortunes of the state.
Fubara spoke while declaring open the 115 and 116 combined Quarterly General Meeting of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
He reaffirmed his commitment to serve with humility, sincerity of purpose and accountability.
The governor stated, “Although these are trying times, let us not forget that Rivers State is our collective inheritance, presently under my watch, to protect, defend and advance it as the Governor.
I assure you that I will not fail in this responsibility nor will I surrender our mandate and progress to intimidation, blackmail and deliberate sabotage.
“I reaffirm my earlier statement and recommit myself to the path of peace as there is nothing to gain in a state of needless crisis.”
Fubara said drastic measures would be taken to strengthen education, health care and social services across the state so that no part, including the rural areas, would be left behind.
The governor said the 2024 budget of the state would prioritise and provide sufficient funding to create universal access to affordable and quality education and health care services in Rivers State.
“We will also take deliberate steps to unlock the entrepreneurial spirit among our teeming unemployed youths through viable initiatives on skills development, entrepreneurship training and targeted investments in commercial agriculture.”
Fubara urged traditional rulers to be upright and royal fathers of integrity who do not compromise their neutrality.
He also enjoined them to be courageous to speak truth to power so that they would not lose their moral authority and legitimacy before their people.
We must all be worried about the plight of our youths, especially those in rural communities, most of whom are poor, neglected and almost forgotten in the government’s development plans, policies, and actions.
“As we all know, no human society can progress without peace and security.
“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 said.