Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that despite the unceasing antagonism against his administration, the course of governance is irreversible, and victory is assured for the State.

The Governor, who noted how the news of the judgment of the Supreme Court dampened the spirit of most Rivers people, charged them to brace up because what is ahead is more than what just passed.

Governor Fubara gave the assurance while inaugurating the Rivers State Government House Staff Quarters, reconstructed by his administration, along Forces Avenue (opposite Government House), Old GRA, Port Harcourt last Monday.

He noted that as humans, they may have felt disturbed by the Apex Court’s pronouncements, but advised them to realise that God, who has their back, will accomplish His purpose.

He said, “Our back is not on anybody; it is on God. I want to thank you for your support, and assure you that, if there is one person on this planet Earth that will continue to stand by you, I will be that person.

“I assure you that I will lead you with honour, I will lead you with respect, and I will lead you with integrity, knowing that when I leave here, I would have questions to answer, if I am called upon 20 – 30 years from today. I want to be proud to defend my position. So, I thank you and assure you that I will not disappoint you.”

Governor Fubara, however, emphasised that no matter how much the adversaries have tried to fool the State, the time has fully come for Rivers people to take their destinies in their hands.

The Governor, who clarified that he has never subscribed to violence or asking people to indulge in lawless acts, warned that his administration will not look away when haters of the State struggle to unlease violence in the State.

He said, “No matter how we’ve been fooled in this State, it has gotten to a point when the people have to decide to take their destinies in their hands.

“Inasmuch as I don’t subscribe to violence, when the time comes for us to take a decision, I will lead the course for that decision. Let me say it again: I am not scared of anything, the worse that will happen is for me to leave the office. Am I leaving the earth?  Is it going to stop me from existing?

“So, I am not even bothered about that. But the right thing must be done, and must be said when the opportunity is given to us. Let me thank everyone, more especially our youths. Be strong, don’t be perturbed. I assure you, at the right time, you will hear from us.”

Governor Fubara pointed to why it has to be on record and known by everybody that the interest of Rivers State remains his top priority, quickly emphasising that he will not hesitate to pay the supreme price, if it is so required.

But, Governor Fubara noted that his strength is in the supreme God and all Rivers people who love the State, and are interested in its progress and peace, counselling them to know that there is honour and glory in fighting gallantly, being on the side of truth.

Governor Fubara pointed attention to the Holy Scripture, quoting Philippians 3 verse 18-19, which said: “For as I have often told you before, and now, I tell you again, even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, and their god is in their stomach, and their glory is in their shame, their mind is set on earthly things only.”

The Governor stated: “Just like the word said, we are not after our stomach, we are after the joy of our people, that at the end of the day, what will count for us is the lives that we have touched genuinely, the legacy we leave that will speak for us, that will open doors for our children, the generations yet unborn.

“Knowing that and having that in mind, it spurs us, it forces me, as a person, to stand on the side of right, to do good, to stand on the side of truth that even if anybody calls me tomorrow, I should be bold to defend my actions.”

Commenting on the project, Governor Fubara expressed delight that his administration was foresighted to have conceived the project, executed it, and, by the special grace of God, is dedicating it to the glory of God for use by the workers.

Governor Fubara stated that what has been achieved: the staff quarters and other projects lined up for inauguration, as proof against what has been said in some quarters, that there is good governance on course in the State.

He said, “Here is a legitimate, purpose-driven governance in Rivers State, and we are here to display, genuinely, not because of our own selfish interest, one of those things that this government has done to show that we appreciate, understand the need, and must continue to do what is right for our people.

“When we came on board, this building was a dilapidated building, completely unhabitable. We felt we must add value, which is the basis of our governance, to what we met, and we decided that, look, our staff can’t be living in uncomfortable place, they can’t leave like animals while I leave in big comfortable place.

“How would I get efficiency from my workers if they are not happy, and the government decided to embark on this project. I am happy that the contractor delivered it within the time limit.”

Governor Fubara thanked the elders of the State who have continued to provide support and stand with his administration, and assured them that he will not disappoint their expectation of providing good governance to the State.

In his address, Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie thanked the Governor for embarking on the reconstruction of the project, and for tastefully furnishing the facility to make living comfortable for workers.

Providing the project description, Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mr Chukwuma Ndudi Augustine, said the project was awarded on June 6, 2024 to Monier Construction Company (MCC), and today, staff of government will have a more comfortable accommodation that will impact positively on their productivity.

He stated: “The Government House Staff Quarters has 6 numbers of two bedroom, 11 numbers of one bedroom, 11 numbers of Boys Quarters. Hostel A has 32 bed spaces, Hostel B has 30 bed spaces. There is canteen, cafeteria, gymnasium – fitness centre where staff will be exercising themselves, mini basketball court, a soundproof power generating plant, water tank. The contract is completed, and contract sum fully paid.”

The outgoing Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, has commended the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminilayi Fubara, for his support towards the successful completion of his tenure.
Okogbule said he owed the governor a debt of gratitude for his support to his administration and his decision to allow him continue from office as the Vice Chancellor despite being appointed by Fubara’s estranged godfather and predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The outgoing Vice Chancellor stated this during a valedictory press briefing held at the university’s auditorium to give account of his five-year single tenure as the Vice Chancellor of the university.
“The essence of this briefing is to give account of my stewardship, achievements and challenges within the period under review.
“First, let me thank the Almighty God for seeing me through in good health despite the office challenges. He has really been faithful. My appreciation also goes to the two governors who are visitors to the university for appointing me and for as well, allowing me complete my tenure,” he said.
Okogbule expressed joy for the opportunity given to him to serve the State, saying he was bowing out from the office as a fulfilled man who has served meritoriously and also achieved a lot in the development of the institution.
He noted that RSU became one of the best universities in the country under his watch and listed the establishment of the school’s satellite campus in Etche, Emohua and Ahaoda as part of his achievements.
According to him, academic activities in those satellite campus are in their third years.
“We could not complete that of Keren in Khana Local Government Area because we could not complete the remodeling of the campus; so the students will continue to remain at the main campus,” he added.
Okogbule also pointed out that the graduation and induction of first set of medical nurses and midwifery students took place during his administration, while also achieving full accreditation of many courses for the university.
On the challenges faced by his administration, the Vice Chancellor identified lack of funding and power supply as major constraints, and advised his successor to look for alternative sources for power generation.
He expressed appreciation to his management team, staff and students including the media for the support given to him during his tenure and urged them to extend same to his successor.
Prof. Okogbule’s five-year single term comes to an end today, having been appointed on March 5, 2020 by the former governor of the State, Nyesom Wike.

Amadi Akujobi

A former lawmaker for Cross-River South Senatorial District, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, has dismissed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim of sexual harassment, stating that women cannot be harassed once they become senators.
Speaking on Arise TV Morning Show, yesterday, Ita-Giwa argued that it is a sign of weakness for female lawmakers to make such claims.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio frustrated her motions on Ajaokuta Steel Company because she refused his sexual advances.
Ita-Giwa, however, said, “By the time you contest elections and get to Senate, you have passed that stage of your life of being sexually harassed. You go there to serve, and you are all equal in that place.
“And again, it shows weakness; you don’t allow it. It (sexual harassment) can not happen in the Senate.
“I am not saying the lady is lying, but when you get to the Senate, you’re there as a person. You’re not there as a woman.”
When asked if female lawmakers should remain silent about harassment from colleagues, Ita-Giwa, who is a former presidential adviser, insisted that making such allegations at that level reflects weakness.
“At that stage in politics, if you come out and say someone is sexually harassing you, it is a weakness,” Ita-Giwa said.
She added, “I’m saying that it does not; it would not happen in the Senate, and it should not happen in the Senate and again, I’m not here to defend anybody in politics.”
She maintained that female senators should see themselves as equals to their male counterparts, emphasising that winning a senatorial election is no small feat.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conflict with Akpabio began last week when she discovered her Senate seat had been changed, leading to a brief disruption during plenary.
During her appearance on a television programme last week, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed the issue started in December 2023 when she and her husband visited Akpabio’s home for his birthday.
She alleged that Akpabio made inappropriate advances while showing her around, prompting her husband to warn her against being alone with him.
While Akpabio has yet to respond to the allegation, his wife, Ekaette, has denounced Akpoti-Uduaghan and filed a defamation lawsuit against her.