Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the enemies of the State have been defeated already, saying there’s no need to disrupt the peace.
Fubara, who has begun celebrating his one year in office, said what his detractors thought they would have done to his government while celebrating his first anniversary in office has turned to fight them.
Fubara said, “They are the ones sleeping with their two eyes open. It shows that we have the Ijaw blood. And what is that blood: it is the blood of action; less talk, more action.”
The governor’s reaction may have followed the latest gale of resignations from Commissioners loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the sacking of the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike.
The governor spoke while addressing the national and state leadership of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), who were on a solidarity walk to Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
The solidarity walk was staged as part of activities to celebrate the heroic exploits of the late Major Isaac Adaka Boro, 56 years after his death, which is observed on May 16 every year.
Governor Fubara appealed to Ijaw youths to conduct themselves peacefully as they celebrate the Major Isaac Adaka Boro Day and be good ambassadors of the entire Ijaw Nation.
The Governor acknowledged with delight the assurances of brotherly support from IYC, and urged Ijaw Nation to key into the on-going celebration of the liberation the State is enjoying now.
The governor emphasised that every genuine Rivers man is a liberator, adding that he was delighted to receive them on such auspicious day to re-enact the common purpose of liberation that they shared.
Fubara thanked the large crowd for their assurances of being available to respond to his call and stand by him, should the need arise.
He said, “Because he stood for that unique thing, even after his death, we still celebrate him because he was a liberator.
“Every Rivers man, it doesn’t matter whether you are Ijaw or upland, the most important thing is that every genuine Rivers man must be a liberator.
“And I’m happy that you have come here today. I have also received you because we have one common purpose: to liberate our dear State. We are not going back on that.”
Fubara said: “I am happy that you’ve told me this morning that when I call on you, you will respond. But there is nothing to call on you for. Because we have already defeated them.
He emphasised that it should be done in the same spirit that had enveloped the State now celebrating victory over his political detractors.
Fubara promised to support the IYC Eastern Zone to have a befitting Secretariat in Rivers Speaking, the National President of IYC, Mr Jonathan Lokpobiri, described the day as historic because Ijaw people were meeting with their Governor on Major Isaac Adaka Boro Day of memorial.
Mr Lokpobiri said it affirms that the gods of Ijaw people are at work, and warned all detractors to retrace their steps, and allow the Governor, who has the full mandate of the people, to discharge his duties to Rivers people.
He commended Governor Fubara for his courage, bravery and commitment to good governance, insisting that his struggle and triumph resonates with the hope of all Ijaw people.
On his part, Chairman of IYC, Eastern Zone, Mr Tamuno Kpokpo, clarified that their visit is not to signify an ethnic war but to lend support in protection of the interest and continuous development of Rivers State.
