Stand for justice, Fubara urges commissioners loyal to Wike
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has charged newly sworn-in commissioners to engage in activities for which they will be positively remembered by posterity.
Fubara gave the advice shortly after swearing in nine commissioners said to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, into the State Executive Council at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The newly sworn-in commissioners had earlier resigned their appointments during the political crisis that engulfed the state.
They were, however, returning on their own to be re-absorbed into the Governor Fubara-led administration.
The governor observed that they had already read the charge as contained in their oath of office and therefore enjoined them to uphold and defend the state’s constitution.
Fubara stated, “I wish you well in your coming back. Stand for justice, and stand for the interests of our dear state. That is the purpose of your appointment and that is the truth.
“I can see how heavy your hearts are. But I assure you that I don’t have anything against any of you. You were caught in-between during the crossfire.”
The Governor added, “I will advise that you give your best. As I said the first time, let this state and posterity remember you for what is good.”
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Elders and Leaders’ Forum has said the verdict of the Supreme Court which affirmed the victory of Siminalayi Fubara as Governor of Rivers State has laid to rest the era of strong men.
The forum, however, said the ruling also protected and encouraged strong and viable institutions, adding that it had calmed the political tension in the state and the Niger Delta region as a whole
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the forum on Thursday night in Port Harcourt and read to newsmen on Friday morning.
The forum’s acting Chairman and former deputy governor of Rivers State, Sir Gabriel Toby, who read the communiqué, said it was time for Fubara to concentrate on the business of governance and urged him to rule with the fear of God.
While calling on Fubara to govern in accordance with the constitution, saying, “If you don’t obey the laws of the land, you promote anarchy.”
He lauded the Supreme Court for what the forum termed “excellent timeout determination of the electoral matters in state.”
The forum further said it was time for the governor to concentrate on the business of governance and do so with the fear of God.
The communiqué read, “That the Supreme Court of Nigeria which is the apex temple of justice in Nigeria has spoken, and therefore, the Forum invites all men and women of goodwill and responsible candour to obey its judgment.
That based on the verdict of the Supreme Court, we in this Forum congratulate our Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, on their victory at the various courts of law and thus wish them God’s guidance, protection and speed in the administration of our dear state.”
