Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that the reason his administration chose peace is to sustain the achievements of the past governments and the ongoing development in the state.
Fubara said his message of peace, sacrifices and commitment has liberated the people of the state, who in return, support his government.
The governor made the assertion yesterday, at a ceremony organised by the Okrika Council of Chiefs and the people of Okrika to honour the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Tom.
Speaking further, Fubara explained that the feeling of liberation has propelled the people of the state to organise special thanksgiving celebrations of his legal victory in the 23 local government areas (LGAs) on a weekly basis without prompting from him.
He said the basis of development is anchored on peace, adding that nobody can ever get the best out of himself or from the society without a measure of peace.
“If you love your state, you will not be any part of anything that will bring destruction to it. It doesn’t matter who the person is. That is what people should understand.
“And for those of us who chose peace, it is not because we are weak but because we know and value this state. Whatever achievement that has been recorded by the previous administrations; it is important that we sustain it. And that is the reason why we toe the path of peace.”
The governor stressed: “Look at what is happening in the 23 local government areas in the state. I am not asking anybody to go round to do thanksgiving as some of you might be thinking.
“These are people who wake up in the morning and say, we have been liberated. We want to tell people that we exist.
“And every day, you’re seeing the numbers; this is not artificial, this is organic support and why are we getting it, it is because of the peace that we stand for.”
The governor said public office holders should not talk carelessly and because he is not a noise maker but a prudent leader, his achievements that are well documented will be displayed publicly at the appropriate time.
Fubara promised to commence reconstruction work on Isaka Community Landing Jetty, and activate the sand-filling project that was abandoned in the area.
He also pronounced the upgrade, from second class status to a first-class status, the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits.
In his welcome address, a former Minister of Transport, Abiye Sekibo, said the Wakirike nation were celebrating one of their own, King Ateke Tom, who has contributed to the prevailing peace in the various communities and Niger Delta.
Sekibo who extended the congratulation of the people to Governor Fubara over his electoral victory, commended him for his decision to ensure the reign of peace and assured that Wakirike nation will continue to support his administration into his second tenure.
The Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Tom was bestowed the honour of Be Se Poku by the apex body of traditional rulers and the people of Okrika.
