Power will not change me, says Fubara

Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers state, has promised to remain humble and true to his values despite the trappings of power.

Speaking on Tuesday during a celebration with stakeholders at the government house to mark his 50th birthday, Fubara assured attendees that he would stay committed to the promises he made to the people of Rivers.

Reflecting on the occasion, the governor said he was deeply moved by the presence of state leaders who gathered to celebrate him, adding that it brought him to tears.

Fubara, who described his birthday as a “golden jubilee”, said he normally does not celebrate birthdays but was grateful for the love and sacrifices of those who came to honour him.

“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. I will continue to maintain it,” he said.

“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.

“That is the only thing that I know I can assure you. I will not do anything, act in any manner that will bring disgrace to myself or to everyone of you that have decided and are ready to sacrifice everything for us.

“This morning is a birthday morning. It is not a morning to discuss politics. It is morning to say I am happy, I am 50 years old, 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 also vowed to prioritise the development of the state, saying he would work with stakeholders to create a Rivers state that meets the aspirations of its people.