- The governor also stated that his administration does not have any intention to inflict pain on Rivers people and will not do so.
The Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that “enemies of the state were determined to make residents endure a black Christmas season.”
Fubara made this statement during a speech at the Government House Banquet Hall in Port Harcourt while launching the Emblem Appeal Fund.
The governor’s remarks follow a court order that halted financial allocations to Rivers State.
Fubara asserted that his administration fought valiantly like soldiers to thwart the enemies’ plans to obstruct governance in the state.
The governor vowed to continue protecting the state from those who conspire daily to sow chaos and discontent among the people.
Fubara emphasized that his administration has no intention of harming the state’s residents and will not do so.
“Some individuals who have chosen to be adversaries of this State sought to impose a bleak Christmas upon us,” the governor stated.
“However, our unwavering commitment to prioritizing the interests of Rivers State enabled us to overcome challenges and fulfill our governmental obligations.
“Today, I can confidently declare that our civil servants are content, despite the widespread propaganda that the State’s allocation was squandered.
“We are now the first State to not only make promises but also deliver on them. Civil servants who previously earned N70,000 are now rejoicing with salaries of N120,000 and N140,000.
“What greater joy can a government experience? While projects are important, the happiness we bring to the hearts of the people is paramount.
“People may forget that Sir Dr. Peter Odili constructed this Banquet Hall, but they will never forget the struggles they faced when they couldn’t afford their children’s school fees due to low salaries.
“With improved salaries, they will forever remember that government and acknowledge its role in their children’s successes, whether as graduates, lawyers, judges, or engineers.
“Our primary focus is ensuring the well-being of the Rivers people in every aspect of our endeavors.”
Speaking at the emblem appeal fund launching, Fubara recalled the joy his family experienced as children of a military officer when they saw their mother return from such events as a widow.
He acknowledged that no amount of money donated could adequately compensate for the sacrifices made by war veterans who protected the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity.
Nevertheless, the governor launched N40 million on behalf of the state government to the emblem fund.