Governor Fubara has spoken on piloting Rivers political affairs like King Nebuchadnezzar.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has said he is running the government not like the Biblical Babylonians but with the fear of God.
Fubara stated this while reacting to the letter of appreciation written to him by the leaderships of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) while also seeking to give him an award of recognition.
“It is not because we are meeting all their needs but because we are putting human face to governance. We are not running it like Nebuchadnezzar’s time,” he said while inaugurating the one-storey twin-building Labour House constructed by the administration of Governor Douye Diri in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital on Tuesday.
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“We are not running it like the Babylonians. We are running it with the Jesus style where love takes the lead over everything. Where love is what should be in front and behind.”
Fubara explained that in the heat of the political crisis staged against his administration in 2023, he committed to improving the welfare of Rivers workers to have a well-motivated workforce to achieve the goals of the Rivers First mantra.
The governor stated that the resultant industrial harmony has now become unprecedented as workers feel more valued, supported and resolved to be more productive.
Fubara recalled that while en route Abuja for a reconciliatory political meeting to find solutions to the 2023 political crisis, his mind kept drifting to what could be done to give hope and cushion the hardship faced by Rivers workers.
He said he made the decision, therefore, to pay Christmas bonus of N100,000 to every worker across grade levels in December 2023 and extended the gesture to retirees in 2024.
Governor Fubara noted that what the Bayelsa State Government has done shows there is good relationship existing between labour and the Diri administration.
He advised the organised labour in Bayelsa State to consider the gesture, not as a right but as a privilege so that they can embrace it wholeheartedly, defend, cherish and protect it and ensure that nobody comes between them and the government to cause friction.
Fubara also expressed sadness over the demise of Edwin Clark, a leader, he noted, will be remembered for his positive impact on many aspects of national and régional issues.
He said, “We are here, we just observed a minute silence for the death of our hero, Pa Edwin Clark. What is he remembered for? For his courage, truthfulness, doggedness, and the survival of this region.”
Fubara told Diri: “I want you to continue to stand for same thing, and I can see that you are standing for what is right. That is what history will remember you for.
“History will not remember anyone for any destructive thing, don’t deceive yourself. Money and material things cannot be taken for a good name. So, please continue to do what is right. History and the good people of Bayelsa will forever remember you.”
Fubara assured that his administration would promote a robust relationship between Rivers and Bayelsa.
