I’m No Dictator In Rivers Govt House — Fubara
BY ONYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – The Rivers State Governor, Sir Similanayi Fubara, says there is no chance for him to become a dictator or operate as one in the State Government House, popularly called the ‘Brick House’.
According to the Governor, who has been locked in a somewhat supremacy battle with his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, his administration will not relent in collaborating and continuously consulting widely to deliver a liberated state that experiences enduring peace at all times
Fubara, who spoke at the Government House, Port Harcourt, during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, on Tuesday, said with the interest of the state at heart, he is focused on leaving a lasting legacy that the people can celebrate in the years to come.
Specifically, Governor Fubara said; “We are at a crossroads in our state where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a lifetime. So, for now, be one of those people who will be on the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace to our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.”
Speaking about his style of administering the oil-rich State, Governor Fubara said; “We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led.”
On the presentation of the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, Governor Fubara said the action is within the ambit of the law, adding that upgrading the traditional stool for King Ateke Tom demonstrates the government’s recognition of his efforts at promoting peace in Okrika, and the State in general.
The Rivers State Chief Executive further urged the royal father to continue doing justice to everyone and ensure that peace reigns within the Okochiri Kingdom for the overall good of the people and Rivers State.
Born on 2nd June 1964, Ateke Tom is a traditional ruler and the first Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom. He was the former leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante, an ethnic Ijaw militia in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. However, following days of gunfights between various militia groups and security forces in Port Harcourt, Ateke Tom, in August 2007, wrote to the then Rivers State Governor, Celestine Omehia, requesting amnesty in response to an offer of clemency and rehabilitation offered by the government to militia groups that agree to lay down their arms and surrender.
Fast forward to November 25, 2017, the repentant ex-warlord was crowned as the first Amanyanabo of Okochiri in a ceremony that was attended by the immediate past Governor of Rivers State and now FCT Minister, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
