By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA FCT – Rivers State Governor. Sim Fubara has charged the newly sworn-in Commissioners in the state always tread the path of peace and not to follow the path of violence, stressing that we are carrying a basket of precious eggs on our heads, so we must move with caution and wisdom.
Fubara reminded the Commissioners that their appointment to the Executive Council is not just about balancing, adding that the only balance we expected from them here is for the entire state, not just your LGA. We want you to serve the whole state.
He made the call on Tursday while addressing the six Commissioners at the government House, Port Harcourt.
The full address reads:
Let me first congratulate you on making it into the Rivers State Government Executive Council. I know many people are wondering why we are still in the process of bringing in commissioners, but our case is different.
We want to be absolutely sure about who we are adding to the council, so we don’t wake up one morning to see resignation letters. We are taking our time. Usually, after a normal political period, there is what we call “balancing.” So, I can also say that the new commissioners coming in are from their zones to help balance the political equations.
However, your appointment to the Executive Council is not just about balancing. The only balance we expect from you here is for the entire state, not just your LGA. We want you to serve the whole state.
Work for the state, understanding that your responsibility at this point is to Rivers State and not solely to your Local Government anymore. I have no doubt in the capacity of the commissioners just sworn in. Some of them have been Assembly members, others have served as C.T.C members; in fact, this set of commissioners consists of very powerful people.
We are happy to have them, and we believe they will contribute to the success of this administration. I mentioned last night that the most important thing for Rivers State today is to support its progress. We are in a situation where the funds generated from oil production are not sufficient to tackle Nigeria’s challenges, and every hand must be on deck to ensure an increase in production.
Our focus, despite the distractions, won’t be different. You all have to work with us to ensure we curb oil theft and pipeline vandalization. This is the only way allocations will increase, and more progress will come to our state.
We are doing a lot for the good people of Rivers State, but because of various distractions, many people are unaware of our achievements. We are working towards showcasing a few of these accomplishments before the end of the month, to highlight the ways we have impacted the lives of Rivers people.
I want to thank all of you for your support, especially before, during, and after the elections. I appreciate the doggedness of Rivers people and their belief in our cause to salvage this state and protect its integrity.
As your leader, the one steering this ship, I assure you I will not mislead any of you. I still stand on the path of peace. We had cases of arson in some Local Government Areas. When I inaugurated the newly elected chairmen here, I mentioned that I had intelligence of a plot to cause mayhem in some LGAs. I foresaw it because I knew, given their unhappiness, they would go to great lengths to sow discontent among the good people of Rivers State. But I appreciate your calmness. I have always maintained that we must tread the path of peace. I encourage all of you not to follow the path of violence. We are carrying a basket of precious eggs on our heads, so we must move with caution and wisdom.
Let the state also know that what happened after the elections will not go uninvestigated. This has happened before, where after a few weeks, some of our supporters were declared wanted to twist the narrative. But this time, with the support and cooperation of the Nigeria Police and the DSS, I strongly believe we will uncover those behind the arson and hold them accountable for their actions.
Congratulations to the new commissioners. We expect you to start working immediately. We will not leave you without assigning portfolios right away. Our policy is that once appointed, you begin work at once.
Let me also take this opportunity to thank the good people of Rivers State for their support and assure them that we will continue to defend and protect the interests of Rivers people.
- Gov. Sim Fubara’s Charge to Newly Sworn-In Commissioners.
