• Govern within dictates of constitution, elder statesmen, APC chieftain tell governor
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday, swore-in the nine returnee commissioners who were recently screened and reconfirmed by the state House of Assembly, led by Hon. Martins Amaewhule.
This is as the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum (RELEF) has advised Governor Fubara to govern the state with the fear of God and in the dictates of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Also, the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyigbo Local Government Area, Dr. Gift Okere, who lauded Governor Fubara’s victory at the Supreme Court, urged all aggrieved political parties to shield their sword and support the governor who, he said, had in the past shown commitment for peace and purposeful leadership qualities in transforming the state to greater heights.
It would be recalled that the nine commissioners who are known loyalists to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, resigned their various appointments in the heat of the fracas between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.
They were however returning on their own to be reabsorbed into the Fubara’s administration.
Swearing-in the Commissioners at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, Fubara said that it was imperative for them to engage in activities for which they will be positively remembered by posterity.
Observing that they have already read the charge as contained in their oath of office, Fubara enjoined them to uphold and defend the state’s constitution.
“I wish you well in your coming back. Stand for justice, and stand for the interests of our dear state. That is the purpose of your appointment and that is the truth.
“I can see how heavy your hearts are. But I assure you that I don’t have anything against anyone of you. You were caught in the crossfire.”
Fubara further said: “I will advise that you give your best. Like I said the first time, let this state and posterity remember you for what is good.”
The confirmed commissioners are Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor, Dr. Jacobson Nbina, Dr. Gift Worlu, Mrs Inimefien Aguma, Chukwuemeka Woke, Prof. Chinedu Mmom, Dr. Dakorinama George -Kelly, Isaac Kamalu, and Mr. Ben Chioma.
Meanwhile, the elders statesmen gave the advice yesterday at an emergency meeting, held in Port Harcourt, while reviewing current happenings in the state.
THISDAY observed that amongst those in the meeting include; former governor of Rivers, Chief Rufus Ada-George, former deputy governor, Dr. Gabriel Toby, Ibim Princewill, Rear Adm. O. P. Fingesi, (Rtd), Prof. Dagogo Fubara, HRH NLA Iraron, HH Anabs Sara-Egbe, Sen. Bennett Birabi, Ms. Annkio Briggs and Captain Nwankwo.
Speaking on Fubara’s victory at the governorship poll, the forum said the Supreme Court which is the apex temple of justice in Nigeria has spoken and therefore invites all men and women of goodwill to obey its judgement.
They said “That based on the verdict of the Supreme Court, we in this Forum congratulate our governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, on their victory at the various courts of law and thus wish them God’s guidance, protection and speed in the administration of our dear state.”
The elder statesmen also lauded the Supreme Court for its determination of the electoral matters in Rivers, saying that the judgement has calmed the outstanding political tension in the state and in the Niger Delta at large.
“In this contest, there is no victor, no vanquished. All we crave for at this forum is the sanctity of the laws of the country and the rule of law. This judgement lays to rest the era of strong men, but protects and encourages strong and viable institutions.”
The forum further urged the governor to govern with a large heart, accommodating all views, in the best interest of the state and deploy the resources of the state for its appropriate development.
On his part, Okere has lauded governor Fubara over the victory at the supreme court.
Okere who is currently the leader of a political pressure, “Activate Sim” in the area, assured the Fubara’s government of support from Oyigbo people “to ensure that policies and programmes benefit the grassroots”, and appealed to the government to include Oyigbo in infrastructural and human capital development.
