The Rivers State government has received a vote of confidence from Igwe Achese, former National President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and former Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area.
Comrade Achese declared that Rivers people stand firmly behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara, supporting him regardless of the political direction he chooses.
Achese also emphasised that Rivers people would stand by Governor Fubara, whether he decides to remain in his current position or moves to a different political party.
Achese further lauded Governor Fubara’s sacrifice for peace in Rivers State, describing him as an icon of peace who prioritized peace over power
Speaking in an interview on Arise News on Friday, Achese said, “Wherever His Excellency wished to drive the democratic administrations into, River’s people would definitely follow him.
”If he choose to remain where he is, we will stand with him. If he choose to move to any party, APC or any other party, we will stand with him”, he added.
Achese stressed that the governor had shown rare sacrifice to secure peace in Rivers State, even at personal cost.
He explained, “I lack words, honestly, to express the sacrifice being shown by his excellency over the six months of emergency rule in Rivers State.
Achese expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for ensuring calm in the state and commended Governor Fubara’s demonstration of loyalty.
He credited Governor Fubara’s leadership with maintaining peace in Rivers State, despite the challenges posed by the emergency rule.
Achese described the governor’s decision not to challenge the legality of the emergency rule as a deliberate act of sacrifice to avoid loss of lives and economic setbacks.
“Thanks to his excellency, who was not perturbed to say, look, the pressures cannot deter me in the line of peace.
”And if you watch all through this six-month period and his commitment, and the series of meetings he had with Mr. President, you will understand the sacrifices of this great leader,” he said.
On whether the governor’s decision had served Rivers people and democracy, Achese remarked, “No, no, let me be honest.
”History is made as long as our democratic system and settings are consigned. But I’ll tell you, this sacrifice that was made by his excellency is the needless sacrifice to avoid the loss of lives, to avoid economic setback in Riva state.
”Within this period, you will see this six-month period of investors that are still going about their businesses without being molested or being harassed.
”Market women were still going about their, you know, market businesses and the rest of them. So that sacrifice is so there. And that is what we are so happy and we’re so proud of, of our dear governor.
