I Won’t Allow Spoils of Office to Change Me — Fubara

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured the people of the state that he will not let the power and privileges associated with his office change his character or approach to governance.

In a heartfelt address on Tuesday during a visit by leaders, elders, and key stakeholders of the state who came to celebrate his 50th birthday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Fubara emphasized his commitment to the promises he made to the Rivers people when they gave him their mandate.

The governor, who admitted he doesn’t typically celebrate birthdays, expressed gratitude for the leaders’ gesture, saying their presence moved him to tears. “I want to say that I will still be the Fubara that you know; power will not change me. I will still make sure that what I hold dear in life remains, which is God and my respect for people,” he said.

Fubara vowed to continue working toward making Rivers State the place its people have always dreamed of, acknowledging that while challenges remain, he would put in place structures that would guide the state toward progress.

He reassured the people, saying, “Power will come, power will go, but I will still remain the Fubara that you know. With your support, that Rivers State that we all yearn for, we will definitely, even if we don’t get it completely, we will put those things in place that will channel and drive us to that Rivers State, with your support.”

Reflecting on the significance of turning 50, Fubara said, “This morning is a birthday morning. It is not a morning to discuss politics. It is a morning to say I am happy, I am 50 years, according to you. But the most important thing is, I am celebrating my Golden Jubilee. It means that I have joined the league of the old men from today.”

The governor expressed his gratitude to God for His divine grace and thanked all those who had made sacrifices to attend his birthday celebration. On behalf of his wife, Lady Valerie, and his family, he appreciated the leaders’ heartfelt wishes.

A former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, took the opportunity to thank God for Fubara’s leadership, describing him as a “deliverer” for the state, particularly in safeguarding it from those seeking to undermine it. He praised Fubara for his patience, meticulousness, and strong faith in God, which has guided his governance.

Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, also spoke, noting that despite who a kingmaker may be, once the king is crowned, he must be allowed to rule. Secondus highlighted the admiration and respect Governor Fubara has earned for his strength of character, trust in God, and commitment to unity and inclusivity in governance, calling his mandate divine.

The event underscored Fubara’s resolve to remain grounded in his values while striving to deliver on his promises to the people of Rivers State.