By Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has warned his political foes to be wary of taking advantage of his calmness noting that he can pull a surprise if they think he is weak.
The Governor made this known when he received members of the Rivers State Local Government Workers under the aegis of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) who were on a solidarity and thank you visit.
Speaking, the Governor described his action of implementing the Presidential resolution as a mark of respect for Mr. President and should not be taken as weakness.
He noted that the resolution he is implementing is not constitutional, but a political solution to the crisis that erupted in the state some time ago.
“But let me say it here, if that action that I have accepted to follow will be taken for my weakness I will surprise them.”
Fubara further assured the workers of the immediate implementation of their promotion, payment of gratuities and the implementation of consolidated salary for grade level 17, stressing that he will liaise with the Accountant General for smooth payment.
He noted that their solidarity visit is a reflection of the mood of the people across the state for his implementing good policies and touching lives, rather than the misinterpretation of some people that they were being rented.
“It is not about any other thing, it is about the lives you touched genuinely. It is the policies that you ensured that were implemented without inducement. That is what you will be remembered for. I am happy standing with you, in ensuring that the N30,000 minimum wage has been implemented.”
The Governor charged the workers to be law abiding, brace up and do what is right always as he will continue to support them for their progress.
Governor Fubara assured Rivers people of his leadership with the fear of God, adding that his government believes and understands the feelings of the people.
“Our policies and support will always be for the happiness of our people. I am indeed happy that you have started enjoying what other people enjoyed several years ago.”
“In fact, the effect of the implementation of this salary has even gone a long way to cushion the effect of hardship. That is governance with reasoning and not by emotion.”
He reiterated his administration’s determination to continue to put smiles on the faces of workers in the state as that will be of impact in the lives of the majority of the people.
Also speaking, the State President of NULGE, Rivers State chapter, Comrade Clifford Paul noted that their solidarity visit is to acknowledge and celebrate the significant strides that have been made under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his dedication to the well-being of local government workers which has reflected in his genuine concern for the welfare of the people and Rivers State.