Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged residents to shun the planned nationwide protest, citing the current economic situation in the country. Speaking by proxy through the Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, at a solidarity rally by SIMplified Ambassadors of Rivers State, Fubara emphasized that destroying state assets through protest would be unwise, especially when the government is working to build more infrastructure for the people’s benefit, adding that the admonition was not to take away from their rights to protest but a call for reason by showing support to government policies in providing solutions to the current economic reality.
“We shall not destroy our own land. Every human being here is important to us. We will not be part of any development that will cause human blood,” Fubara said, highlighting efforts to cushion the economic effects, such as agricultural initiatives, N4bn seeding funds for social infrastructure, and palliative buses to reduce transportation costs.
Fubara tasked the youths to promote peace and persuade others against protesting, emphasizing that Rivers State is known for its hospitality and industriousness. He encouraged them to develop skills to be valued in their communities.
He said: “Tell them to calm down when other people plan to destroy their own house, don’t join them. We won’t destroy our own land. We will not be part of any development that will cause human blood as every human being is important to us”.
The Director General of SIMplified Ambassadors, Mr. Derefaka Ajubo, expressed the group’s support for Fubara’s administration, which they believe embodies equity, justice, and fairness. They assured they would not participate in the planned protest and announced a partnership with Rivers Women Unite for SIM to hold a worship event for God’s protection and victory for the governor during a period of tribulations.
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Fubara commended the group for standing for the principles driving his administration, noting that the interest of Rivers people is paramount. He emphasized that his government wants every Rivers person to be a perfect ambassador of the state’s founding fathers’ dreams, excelling in every facet.
“What the government of Rivers State wants is for every Rivers person to become a perfect ambassador of the dreams of the founding fathers of the State which is that we should have a land that will excel in every facet,” said Fubara while rounding up his speech.
