Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has warned that he will surprise those who consider his honest decision to implement the presidential peace pact as a sign of weakness.
Fubara said he had been receiving many comments in the media about the implementation of the peace initiative and had chosen to stay silent out of maturity and wisdom.
The governor, however, said it was important to correct the records for clarity, stating that accepting President Bola Tinubu’s intervention and accompanying agreement was a political solution.
This was in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, and made available to journalists.
Fubara said he had already started implementing the agreement because of his respect for Tinubu and not as a sign of weakness as believed by other political actors.
The governor said, “Allow me to state it here for record purposes: What is happening here in our dear state is somebody who has respect for an elder. Mr. President invited all the parties to Abuja and came out with a resolution that we should go and implement. That resolution, I am implementing it. It is not a constitutional implementation. It is a political solution to a problem.
” I am doing it because of the respect I have for Mr President. But, let me say here, if that action that I have accepted to take would be seen as a weakness, I will surprise them. I want this message to go to them.”
Fubara, who had welcomed members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees from the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State on a solidarity rally at Government House Gate, in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, said their large number further goes to prove the nature of the support his administration has continued to enjoy from the people of the state.
“Some days ago, somebody said we are busy renting a crowd for thanksgiving. But what I have seen here today is not different from what is happening at those thanksgiving rallies. People are just appreciating God and good governance,” he added.
Fubara said he was mindful of the legacy he would bequeath after his tenure, saying “It should also be about the lives that have been touched genuinely; about the policies implemented without any inducement to better the lives of the people and the society.”
The governor urged the people to continue to support his administration, show understanding over actions taken, and peacefully obey the rules.
He said, “When you are doing what is right, I will stand by you. Nobody, whether full or half is going to intimidate you. Brace up, I say brace up because the next step will be fire for fire in Rivers State. Everything will be implemented.”
Fubara said that local government workers have started receiving N30,000.00 minimum wage with a promotion to be implemented beginning from April’s salary payment.
He also promised to set in motion plans to finalize modalities for the implementation of the Consolidated Salary Scale for Grade Level 17 and regular payment of benefits to the local government service retirees.
“I will continue to guide you, the people of Rivers State, with a strong sense of reverence for God.
“Being mature isn't just about age, it's about the individual. It's what shapes a person's character. I have chosen not to react to individuals who I thought were mature but are clearly displaying immature behavior.
“I will keep displaying maturity, regardless of my age, but I will not tolerate any mistreatment or abuse of myself or my team in this administration as we govern,” the governor further stated.
During his speech, Clifford Paul, the Rivers State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, expressed gratitude to the governor as they embarked on a Thank-You Rally to demonstrate appreciation for his support of the workers.
Paul mentioned that Fubara had improved their circumstances and renewed their hope by ensuring that the workers received a minimum wage of N30,000.00 and lifting the eight-year ban on promotions, placing them on par with their counterparts in the country.
