#Endbadgovernance: Fubara acknowledges citizens’ hardship, promises to fix system

Protesters in Rivers State, on Saturday, took the protest to Rumuobiakani community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area as youths came out in their numbers and marched through the streets with the usual ‘We are hungry’ chants,

Business activities returned to normal as several shops, and markets were open, unlike the first day when shops were closed.

The protesters have, however, vowed to remain on the streets till the 10th day of the protest unless their demands are attended to government.

One of them who simply gave his name as Frank said, ” We are not deterred by any threat. We will continue this campaign till the 10th day. The hunger, pains and frustrations in the country are glaring”

Another protester said, ” Those telling us not to protest against bad governance don’t mean well for Nigerians. They don’t feel our pains because they have access to our money. Only few elites are enjoying, others languishing in pain”

Security operatives in the State escorted the protesters as they marched through the streets and roads.

The state police commissioner, Tunji Disu, while addressing the protesters applauded them for their peaceful disposition and assured, “We will stay here with you and protect you through the period, we appreciate your cooperation and we ask that you continue to be peaceful ”

Meanwhile, the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reacknowledged the hardship faced by the people, suing for patience and peaceful disposition as well as the need to work together with President Bola Tinubu and the state government to build that Nigeria and Rivers State that they all desire.

Fubara restated his administration’s commitment to leave positive footprints in the state before leaving office, stressing that his eyes are on the ball despite distractions.

Governor Fubara spoke at the funeral reception of late Sister Inyangette Shulammite Yobana, mother of Caretaker Committee Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Marvin Yobana, at her home town, Kono in Khana Council Area of the State on Saturday.

The Governor reassured his administration’s position not to toy with the education of Rivers children and healthcare of the people, emphasising that the government would invest massively in agriculture to boost food production.

He said, “We are in trying times. So, we need to work together to make sure that we build that Nigeria, that Rivers State of our dream.

“Please, everybody should learn to be patient and peaceful. It gets hard before it gets better. We are at the point of that breakthrough to a wonderful State and the envy of the country. When I say the envy of the country, if we pass through this state, Nigeria will be great. We just have to support Mr President to make sure that this phase passes.

“I have said it before, and I am saying it again: I will not leave without making a positive impact in the life of our State. No matter the distraction, our eyes are on the ball.

“We will not play with the education of our children. We will not joke with quality healthcare (for the people), and we will make sure that we invest heavily in food production in our State”, he asserted.

Commenting on the funeral, Governor Fubara noted that the late Sister Inyangette Shulammite Yobana lived a good life, and left an indelible legacy worthy of emulation.

The Governor admonished Marvin Yobana to follow the footsteps of his late mother to live long on earth as well as join hands with his siblings to ensure that the legacy of their mother is kept alive.

He said, “Mama has gone, I can say she lived a good life. Seventy is the Bible age when the blessings of God is upon you. For you to add 10 plus, it means God loves you. So, Mr. Marvin, your mother lived well, and I believe that you will live like her so that you can also stay up to 80, if not more.

“And the secret is this: ensure that your hands are clean. Live a clean life. Don’t be in any meeting to undo people so that you don’t get old while you are still young.

“Just be strong and whatever is remaining, know that you are the head of the family. Join forces with other members of your family to ensure that the memory, the good life and the legacy of your mother is kept alive,” the Governor advised.

He condoled with Amb. Marvin Yobana on behalf of the Simplified Movement, adding that the presence of members is to show support.

Governor Fubara also thanked God that Amb Marvin’s mother died at a time when he is in a position, with his contemporaries, working together with the state government, a paradigm shift from the time when the former local government chairmen despised the government.

He said, “What we are doing here is to show support to one of us, and I am happy that I can come to support him physically, not just by words. I also want to appreciate everyone of you who came here to support our own.

“Mr. Marvin, please, on behalf of our big family: the Simplified Movement, I want to say that we feel your pains, we understand what you are going through. Even if your mother is 100 plus, when she leaves, you still feel that pain. So, we condole with you.

“You can imagine in our midst today, we have the 23 Local Government Area Caretaker Chairmen. Is it not God? If it was before, they would be hiding. Those ones would be hiding, but today, they are here with us. So, when I say he is eating from left and right, I know what I mean. You are a lucky man,” the Governor added.

Earlier while on his way with his entourage to Kono for the funeral ceremonies, the Governor’s convoy had encountered a crowd of #EndBadGovernance protesters at Rumuobiakani Roundabout at the intersection of Trans Amadi Industrial Layout in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where the peaceful protesters cheered and chanted songs, praising Governor Fubara for his people-centric policies.

Waving green leaves and chanting: “Our Governor, carry go”, “Our Governor, we are solidly behind you and your government”, the peaceful protesters swiftly cleared one lane of the dual-carriageway for easy passage of the Governor’s convoy, amid excitements and jubilation.

In response, the Governor waved at them in appreciation of their peaceful conduct and disposition, amid tight police presence to protect the people.