Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the pressure from the political crisis has strengthened his commitment to service, which is impacting lives positively.
The Guardian recently reported that the festering crisis in the state, which led to a gale of resignations of commissioners loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was paving the way for Fubara to become the authentic driver of the state’s affairs.
It was learnt that before the political crisis in the state, Fubara was alleged to be a mere stooge in the Government House.
The governor, during a courtesy visit by members of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, led by its Chairman, Mike Etaba, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday, noted that the pressure created by the political crisis has been weathered sufficiently, giving way for his administration to provide focused leadership and governance to the people.
The governor stated that as long as his administration and Rivers people are concerned, there is no more issue.
He said: “As far as we are concerned, there are no political issues. I had seen a movie many years ago, entitled, ‘Devil’s Advocate.’ I believe some of you must have seen that movie too.
“One of the starring characters: Al Pacino said that pressure makes some people retreat or fail, and to others, it makes them become focused to succeed. We have chosen to be focused under this pressure.
“That is why we are moving ahead. That is why we are making a positive impact on the lives of our people. Governance is about the people. It is not about self. It is about touching the core needs of those people we are leading, and by the special grace of God, we are doing it.”
In his address, the leader of the delegation, Etaba, explained that they came to Port Harcourt based on a petition that was before the House and referred to the Committee.
He mentioned the petitioner as Bridge Gap Initiative, a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO), with respect to some companies operating in the Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout of Rivers State.
Etaba used the opportunity to commend Fubara on how he had handled the political crisis in the state, praising him for not allowing it to degenerate into violence.