RIVERS Governor Siminalayi Fubara has boasted that nobody or group of persons will stop his government in the State.
The Governor in an obvious chide at FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike also assured that with the strong support of the pillars and frontiers of the political class and leaders, particularly those who built the foundational structures of Rivers politics, his administration would not allow any detractor take the state and its people for a ride.
Fubara in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, spoke at a 2025 New Year State Banquet in Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday night.
Fubara expressed confidence that his administration would defeat its detractors with the support of former Governors Dr Peter Odili and Sir Celestine Omehia; former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Sir Austin Opara; former Deputy Governors Sir Gabriel Toby and Tele Ikuru; Senators John Azuta-Mbata, Lee Maeba, Andrew Uchendu, Adawari Michael Pepple; former national chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus; former Fransport Minister, Dr Abiye Sekibo and Amb Orji Ngofa among others.
He said he also has the support of other former and current elected political office holders and leaders at all levels, with proven integrity and accomplishments.
Fubara insisted that no detractor would stand on the way of the State Government in achieving the giant strides it had set for itself.
The Governor said: “We will ensure we protect the integrity of this state, at all cost. We won’t allow anybody take this state for a ride. It doesn’t matter the approach I will use. It’s not going to be a fight.
“We will follow the issues as we did with the case when they (detractors) started begging. Nothing will stop us from not achieving the purpose of governance in this State.
“With strong confidence and faith in God and the people, we are not bothered about what they (opposition) will come with. God will always have a way to save us from them. They are going to come, but we are not worried. We are equal to the task.
“I honestly thank our leaders, from Dr. Peter Odili, Sir Celestine Omehia, Sen John Azuta Mbata, Sir Austin Opara, Prince Uche Secondus, Dr. Abiye Sekibo; to others, for the organic support you are giving to our government.
“A lot of persons would not understand what is really happening. This is not to say we did not have people that were with us and following us and fighting. But one of the troubles they (detractors) have where they are today is that they do not have any strong face in Rivers politics with them.
“The beginning and the end of politics in this State is Sir Peter Odili. And if he is sitting with us here, and with these other persons, who do they have with them?
“This Dr. Odili is the right face and right image of our state. These are the frontiers of Rivers State politics. Men and women that have distinguished themselves are sitting with us here. People who have contributed in several ways to make Rivers State what it is, not rented people they bring for dinner”.
Fubara said that the events of 2024 were a mix bag of daunting challenges, but that the year ended with his administration scoring more gains than losses.
“2024 was not an easy year, but it was great for us in the end. About this time last year, we were not in a very pleasant mood, for fear of what might happen, because of the boasting of those who believe they control life”, he said.
Speaking on 2025, he said: “We will continue to put our trust in God as 2024 had been a wonderful year. We had our losses, and our gains. But the most important thing is that our gains surpassed the losses. We can boldly say 2024 was a good year for Rivers State. And year 2025, with your support, we are going to build on the gains of last year.”
He restated his administration’s determination to sustain the Rivers First policy.
He said: “We will continue to protect the lives of our people and provide the required services in our State. We are not going to lower our guards. Rather, we will raise our bar because, what is speaking for us today is the achievements we are making in the face of obvious distractions.
“Therefore, raising the bar will be our own way of telling the world that no matter what is happening here, we mean well for the state and know what we are doing. It is not going to be easy. I know. God, at times, keeps evil people to live long to continue their evil, not because He does not know what to do but activities of evil people also keep the righteous people awake,” he stressed.
Fubara commended everyone in the state for their organic support, and solicited more support in 2025.