Full Text of Governor Fubara Speech @ 119th & 120th Quarterly General Meeting of Rivers Monarchs Council

REMARKS OF HIS EXCELLENCY SIR SIMINALAYI FUBARA AT THE 119TH AND 120TH QUARTERLY GENERAL MEETING OF THE RIVERS STATE TRADITIONAL RULERS’ COUNCIL ON TUESDAY, 31ST DECEMBER 2024.

Protocol

1. It is my pleasure to be part of the opening ceremonies of the 119th and 120th Quarterly General Meetings of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.
2. As you know, my presence and role among you is to declare this meeting open. However, before I do that, let me commend the Chairman of your Council, His Majesty, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, DSSRS, Eze Oha Apara IV of Apara Kingdom, for his exemplary leadership and strong commitment to the unity, peace, and progress of Rivers State.
3. I can feel the profound unity in the Rivers State Traditional Rulers’ Council. I can see that His Majesty is running an open and transparent Council where every Royal Father, irrespective of status, has a sense of belonging. I can also see that His Majesty has, by his leadership style, restored dignity and respect to the traditional institution in Rivers State.

1. And so, I am happy that I made the right leadership choice and even more elated that we now have a Traditional Rulers’ Council that is committed to its responsibilities and respected nationally for being pragmatic, non-partisan, and prioritizing the collective interest of Rivers State above all others.
2. Our government is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. We derive our existence and sustenance from God Almighty through the will of our people. But for the overwhelming and unwavering support and prayers of the people, our story would probably have been different.
3. This is why we are willing to promote, preserve, and protect the interests of Rivers State and all its people, indigenes and non-indigenes. I assure you, we will never compromise on this, nor will we betray the confidence and trust of the people.

1. As you are aware, after the Local Government Councils, traditional rulers are the best partners we have to translate the development aspirations of our government at the grassroots into reality. You are, therefore, an indispensable development partner to the State Government.

1. As such, you must work with the State Government to advance the peace, security, and progress of your domains. You also have a responsibility to promote government policies and programmes, uphold the rule of law, and mobilize your people and resources to create an enabling environment for development to take place.
2. The good news is that you have a Governor and government in us who are able, ready, and willing to work with all of you to actualize our collective vision for a peaceful and secure State with the best socio-economic environment and opportunities for all.
3. Therefore, my appeal to you is to continue to be loyal and faithful to the government and to continue supporting us to advance the development of our State, its people, and communities to the envy of other States.

1. As a government, we have proven that we can manage the available resources for maximum development impact. Everyone can see what we have delivered in the last 16 months, and we are proud and fulfilled with our achievements.

1. As I stated in my budget speech yesterday, we are poised to deliver many more policies, programmes, and projects to accelerate the pace of development and improve the well-being of our people in 2025, in line with our budget objectives of fostering inclusive economic growth and development.
2. Let me assure you that with us and our commitments, things can only get better for Rivers State and all residents. We will not rest until we accomplish all our campaign promises with the help of God, your prayers, and the support of our people.

14. I wish to reiterate that we hold our traditional rulers in high esteem and will not do anything to disrespect, emasculate, or sideline them in the scheme of things, provided you also avoid doing things that would denigrate the sanctity of the traditional institution or bring you into a collision with either the government or the law.
15. We will also not allow Local Government Councils to disregard your input on issues concerning the peace, security, and development of your kingdoms.
16. I, therefore, urge you to work with your Local Government Councils and the security agencies to maintain law and order and rid your communities of crimes and criminal elements whose conduct is inimical to the security of lives, property, and investments.
17. I wish to assure you that our doors are wide open. We are a listening government. We have a pact with our people. We are just a call away from you and will respond as long as the issue concerns the interest of our State, the peace and development of your locality, and the security and well-being of our people.
18. Finally, I have not forgotten our promises concerning your welfare and well-being. I assure you that we will sooner rather than later deliver your cars and all the other individual and collective promises that we made.
19. It is on this delightful note that I exercise the privilege to declare the 119th and 120th Quarterly General Meetings of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers’ Council open.
20. Thank you for your attention. May God bless us all.