Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has revealed that the ongoing political crisis in the state and the reasons behind it are gradually becoming clearer for many to understand.
The governor likened the situation to the growth of a seed, noting that challenges must often be endured before positive outcomes emerge.
Fubara made this statement while addressing eight newly appointed judges during their swearing-in ceremony at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
This was contained in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Nelson Chukwudi.
The eight newly sworn-in High Court judges are Hon. Justice Frank Onyiri, Hon. Justice Victor Chinedum Ugoji, Hon. Justice Godswill Vidal Obomanu, Hon. Justice Rita Chituru Oguguo, Hon. Justice Alatuwo Elkanah Fubara, Hon. Justice Bariyima Sylvester Kokpan, Hon. Justice Lesi Wifa-Adedipe, and Hon. Justice Ibietela Innocent Madighi Obu.
Addressing the judges, Fubara stated that Rivers State, after enduring the crisis, is now at a turning point, which he described as a rebirth for the state.
He expressed confidence that the issues facing Rivers would be largely resolved.
“At least, if not everything, 90 per cent of our issues will be right.”
The governor acknowledged the political challenges his administration had faced.
“Things have to get bad before they get well. You don’t harvest maize without planting it. When these seeds are planted, they decay, and from there, they start growing.”
Reflecting on the early days of his tenure, Fubara noted that his administration began smoothly, with a united political front. However, he explained that midway through, there were attempts to disrupt the government’s progress.
“But God was kind because He has offered another golden opportunity to steady the course of governance,” Fubara said, adding that his leadership is now gaining wider acceptance.
Fubara also emphasized the importance of the newly appointed judges in helping to strengthen the judiciary in the state.
He reminded them that their appointments were divinely ordained, not politically motivated. “It is only God that has made it, it is not me,” he said.
The governor urged the judges to uphold justice and act with integrity, stressing that he would never interfere in their duties.
“I will never call any of you here to ask for anything wrong. Stand for what is right, and that is the only way God will elevate you,” Fubara said.
He encouraged them to be bold in defending the truth, quoting a line from Nigeria’s national anthem: “a country where no man is oppressed.”
Fubara concluded by advising the judges to maintain fairness and equity in their work and to resist any pressure to act unjustly.
“My message is simple: do what is right, defend the course that you stand for, justice and equity,” he added.
