- Says Enemies Are defeated
From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has welcomed the Ijaw Youth Council’s (IYC) assurances of support and urged the Ijaw people to join in the celebration of the state’s liberation.
Governor Fubara addressed the national and state leadership of IYC, who were on a solidarity walk to Government House in Port Harcourt on May 16th, the anniversary of the late Major Isaac Adaka Boro’s death.
The solidarity walk was part of activities commemorating Boro’s heroic exploits 56 years after his death.
Governor Fubara acknowledged Boro’s genuine fight for equity, justice, and fair play for the Ijaw people, emphasizing that every genuine Rivers man is a liberator. He expressed delight at receiving the IYC on this significant day to reaffirm their shared purpose of liberation.
Fubara thanked the crowd for their assurances of support and stated that their enemies have already been defeated, eliminating the need for any disruption of peace.
He said, “Because he stood for that unique thing, even after his death, we still celebrate him because he was a liberator.”
“Every Rivers man, it doesn’t matter whether you are Ijaw or upland, the most important thing is that every genuine Rivers man must be a liberator.”
“And I’m happy that you have come here today. I have also received you because we have one common purpose: to liberate our dear State. We are not going back on that.”
Governor Fubara continued, “I am happy that you’ve told me this morning that when I call on you, you will respond. But, there is nothing to call on you for, because we have already defeated them.”
“By the special grace of God, what they thought that they would have done to us while we were celebrating our one year in office, they are the ones sleeping with their two eyes open. It shows that we have the Ijaw blood. And what is that blood: it is the blood of action; less talk, more action.”
Governor Fubara appealed to Ijaw youths to conduct themselves peacefully during the Major Isaac Adaka Boro Day celebrations and to be good ambassadors of the Ijaw Nation. He emphasized that this should be done in the same spirit that has enveloped the state as he celebrates victory over his political detractors.
Governor Fubara promised to support the IYC Eastern Zone in establishing a befitting Secretariat in Rivers State.
In his speech, the National President of IYC, Mr Jonathan Lokpobiri, described the day as historic because Ijaw people were meeting with their Governor on Major Isaac Adaka Boro Day of Memorial.
Mr. Lokpobiri said it affirms that the gods of the Ijaw people were at work, and warned all detractors to retrace their steps and allow the governor, who has the full mandate of the people, to discharge his duties to Rivers people.
He commended Governor Fubara for his courage, bravery, and commitment to good governance, insisting that his struggle and triumph resonate with the hope of all Ijaw people.
On his part, the Chairman of IYC, Eastern Zone, Mr. Tamuno Kpokpo, clarified that their visit was not to signify an ethnic war, but to lend support in protecting the interest and continuous development of Rivers State.
Mr Kpokpo said IYC will stand to resist anybody or group of persons anywhere who dare to cause any distraction of governance anymore in the state, and appealed that the Governor be allowed to govern the state peacefully.