Governor of Rivers state, Similaye Fubara has sworn in 23 local council chairman that won the controversial October 5, 2024 election with a charge to behave like him by resisting provocation to violence.
The swearing ceremony of the newly elected Rivers LG Chairmen which was observed by Senator Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum came a day after the Rivers State local government election which was held across the state on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
Fubara also told them to shun ‘grab-grab’ mentality but to show a difference in governance.
He spoke at about 5pm when the swearing in proper began after documentation. He harped on performance, saying each chairman must work like the government was ending the next day.
He went further thus: “Avoid violence. Everybody knows what they are planning, please follow my approach. At the right time, you will win.”
He said he promised the people that they were going to take them to the promised land and a state that will have peace. “Work for peace.
Ensure you do to your people what is right. Look, life is not about getting everything. If you want to get everything, you will lose everything.
“God knows why you were brought in at this time. Do not fail the people. We must heal Rivers State. I am going to make sure I supervise everything you do. I will follow everything up. You know me. This is not the time to slip up.”
Speaking with a bit of husky voice, he said: “I know some of you personally and am not going to be disappointed. We want to set national example.”
Amidst intermittent applause, Fubara thanked the leaders that showed up for the event such as John Mbata, Uche Secondus, Celestine Omehia, saying: “Your faces are a message to Nigeria. They recognize men and women of importance in this state.
“The history of this state will not be complete without mentioning these names.”
Taking a look at Gov Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, “I know why the chairman came, it’s the fear that I am leaving the party. he said PDP is still his party.”
The governor said he is greatly fulfilled this day. “We seek the support of the citizens to this administration, you will not regret. We will make sure there is smile on the faces of Rivers people. We have not slept since Wednesday morning last week.
“What is important is that the sovereignty of Rivers State must by all means be protected. The mandate was given to me on May 29, 2023, and I must protect it.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support without which he said ‘We won’t be here’.
He said the situation warranted him to get the LGA election done. He said they would not allow law and order to breakdown because Nigeria would suffer.
