Tinubu Rejoices With Rivers Fubara at 50

•Charges him to promote peace, unity, resolve differences,bring people together

•Hails ex-Lagos deputy gov, Femi Pedro at 70 

•Rivers gov promises not to allow spoils of office change him

Deji Elumoye and Chuks Okocha in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has rejoiced with the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on his 50th birthday.

The president, in a statement by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, lauded Fubara’s contributions to governance in Rivers State and his efforts to foster growth in the region.

Tinubu urged Fubara to redouble his efforts in promoting peace and unity, emphasising the importance of harmony as a foundation for sustainable development.

“As you celebrate this milestone, I commend your dedication to the service of your people. Governance thrives where peace reigns.

“I encourage you to continue working tirelessly to bring people together, resolve differences, and create an environment, where progress can flourish for the benefit of all Rivers people,” he said.

Tinubu wished Fubara continued wisdom, strength, and success in his leadership journey and prayed for more remarkable achievements in the years ahead.

In the same vein, the president hailed a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Otunba Femi Pedro, as he marks his 70th birthday today, January 29, 2025.

Tinubu, in a tribute personally signed, stated: “Today, I celebrate my dear friend and brother, Otunba Femi Pedro, who will be 70 on January 29.

“Otunba Femi Pedro is a brilliant mind and a dedicated public servant whose contributions to Lagos State and Nigeria continue to inspire many.

“As my deputy when I was governor of Lagos, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence and the progress of our nation. This attribute sets him apart as a leader who always puts the people first.

“Beyond his years of service in government, Otunba Femi Pedro has distinguished himself as a trailblazer in banking and entrepreneurship.

“He has created opportunities for many and contributed to Nigeria’s economic growth. His leadership, integrity, and deep sense of patriotism remain a source of inspiration for those who seek to make a difference.

“As Femi marks this milestone, I join his family, friends, and well-wishers in praying for his continued good health, happiness, and fulfilment in the years ahead.”

Meanwhile, Fubara, has declared that he would not be drunk with power or allow the associated advantages and benefits that come with holding a lofty position in government to change him.

Rather, the governor assured the people that he would remain committed to his vows made to Rivers people, when he got their mandate, to completely put things in place that would transform the state to become what they dreamt it to become.

Fubara made the remark when some leaders, elders and critical stakeholders of the state paid him a birthday visit at Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

The governor explained that he had never subscribed to celebrating birthdays but seeing leaders of the state gather to celebrate him pulled out tears of joy from his eyes.

“I want to say that I will still be the Fubara that you know. Power will not change me. I will still make sure that what I hold dear in life remains, which is God and my respect for people. I will continue to maintain it.

“Power will come, power will go, but I will still remain the Fubara that you know. With your support, that Rivers State that we all yearn for, we will definitely, even if we don’t get it completely, we will put those things in place that will channel and drive us to that Rivers State with your support.”

In another development, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and PDP governors have commended  the achievements of Fubara, saying they are evident.

Posting on X, the former Vice President prayed that God would grant Fubara good health and an impactful leadership.

“Happy birthday, Governor @SimFubaraKSC. Your remarkable achievements in Rivers State within such a short period are evident to all.

“I join the great people of Rivers to celebrate you, and I am confident that the years ahead will be filled with greater progress and prosperity for the state and its people. I pray that God grants you many more years of good health, wisdom, and impactful leadership. -AA”

Also, in a statement by the Director General of the PDP governors’ forum,  Dr. Agbo Emmanuel, the PDP governors felicitated with Fubara as he attains the golden age today.

The governors joined his family and friends in Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the abundant love and care in his life, protection and guidance in his public life which has enabled him render life-touching service to people in the State and the Nation at large.

”The Forum is proud of his vision and ongoing activities to take the state beyond the ordinary in trade and investment drive, mass housing, industrialization, security provision, food security, worker’s welfare, infrastructure upgrade, among others.

”By firm leadership he has maintained law and order in the State, stabilized the political weather and engineered dedicated service delivery above partisan interests, while also ensuring empowerment programs for youth and women.

”His commitment to quality education and prompt healthcare delivery has boosted the performances of the workforce immensely.

”The Forum prays that the Almighty God grant him mental and emotional well-being and more courage to lead his people, as they at home and abroad, join him in this celebration,” the PDP governors said.