We Won’t Surrender To Barefaced Blackmail – Fubara

Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara has declared that his administration will not surrender to barefaced blackmail while committing to consolidating the gains made in ensuring peace, advancing good governance, delivering more critical projects, and sustaining the increase in the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).

This is as he commended President Bola Tinubu, for his bold, dynamic and pragmatic economic reforms targetted at correcting the structural deformities of the past, and ushering Nigeria into a new vista of sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

Fubara spoke yesterday during the 64th Nigerian Independence Day Anniversary Parade at the Government House Arcade in Port Harcourt.

The governor said October 1, 1960 was historic with the first Prime Minister of Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa raising Nigeria’s much cherished green-white-green flag to signify the independence and freedom gained from the British colonial rule.

He noted that there has been heroic sacrifices by founding fathers, other leaders, brave men and women, who had made numerous achievements in sustaining freedom and promoting the unity and progress of Nigeria.

Fubara said: “The vision of our founding fathers at independence was to build a united and secure nation anchored on the values of brotherhood, democracy, justice, and the equality of all peoples, tribes and nations.

“Our leaders, past and present, have kept on doing their best to keep the country together and advance the progress and well-being of the citizens.”

Fubara stated that despite those sacrifices, Nigeria still totters amid diverse challenges, including widespread insecurity, after 64 years of self-rule.

The governor noted the prevailing economic hardship that has made life more difficult for most Nigerians, saying: “But, despite the economic hardship and social ills bedevilling our nation and stifling its progress, we still have good reasons to celebrate and be grateful to God as a nation and people.”

He said: “We are known all over the world as hardworking, confident and happy people. We are known for our enormous natural and human resources and economic potential.

“We are also known for our rich cultural diversity – a vibrant nation where different religions, languages and traditions co-exist peacefully.”

Fubara urged Nigerians to be thankful that God has endowed them with everything required to build a great nation where no one should ever be oppressed, and where all should live in peace and plenty.

The governor said it was important for Nigerians to keep faith with the vision of the founding leaders and do so by reaffirming their fidelity to one indivisible nation under God, and pledge themselves to each other in freedom, peace, and justice.

He said: “Let us also commit ourselves to work hand in hand with the Federal Government to tackle the economic, social, and political challenges, including judicial terrorism, nepotism, corruption, and abuse of power, that have diminished our democracy, stifled our economic growth, and caused untold hardship to our people.

“With an unyielding commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and good governance, and working together for the common interest, we can overcome all our challenges, and prevail over the enemies of progress.”