The governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has promised the people of the state that his government will work together and keep seeking input to make the state free and peaceful for a long time.
The governor stated that he will not lead with total control, but as part of a group with the state's best interests and a goal to leave a positive legacy.
The governor made these remarks during the ceremony to recognize and install Ateke Michael Tom as the first-class tradition ruler of the Okochiri Kingdom at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
This information was provided in a statement from the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
Fubara mentioned that during the sixth State Executive Council meeting, a budget of N80.8 billion was approved, with 50 percent of the contract value already paid for the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road by the government.
He also mentioned that the project will be funded using money saved from Internal Revenue to show the government's careful spending without taking on loans to finish the project.
Fubara mentioned, “We are at a critical point in our state where we all need to do what is right. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So, for now, be someone who helps to liberate and free our beloved state.
“And I am confident that with the support of a peaceful Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, with the support of the Council of Chiefs, and with the support of the people of Rivers State, we will bring peace to our state.
“We will do the right things to develop our state. We will keep seeking input. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we do, our actions will speak for us.”
Then, he said, ” We will not make people say good things about us. Our legacy will show how we led.”
Fubara explained that he followed the law in upgrading the traditional stool where King Ateke Tom sits, recognizing his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika and the state, and encouraged him to continue to be fair to everyone.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom.
Also, former Minister of Transportation, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked Fubara for keeping his promise to upgrade the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom and pledged the support of Kirike people for his administration.
