By Emmanuel Abi Couson
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has lauded the giant strides the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara has recorded in the areas of good governance, restoration and maintenance of peace and unity, provision of massive infrastructure projects as well as promotion of economic prosperity in Rivers State.
The NBA made the commendation when a delegation of Chairmen and Secretaries of the various branches of the Association in the State had audience with the Governor at Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday night.
The delegation, which was received in a closed door session, was led by Chairman of Port Harcourt Branch of the association, Mr Viktor Ibim Benibo.
Speaking with newsmen after a fruitful interaction with the Governor, Mr Benibo explained that the leaderships of NBA branches across the State were inspired to pay the visit by the level of peace and economic prosperity experienced within the short time that Governor Fubara has been on the saddle.
This, he attributed to the manner Governor Fubara has handled the affairs of the State with peaceful demeanour, maturity and wisdom, which have ensured that unity of purpose and progress permeated the entire State.
Mr Benibo said, as a result, key players in the economy and other service providers now enjoy some level of confidence because Governor Fubara has contained the monster of political crisis that erupted seven months ago, adding that the people were benefitting from the gains of peace and economic rejuvenation.
It is for these reasons that he said, “We are encouraged by the peaceful disposition of the Governor, and we have decided to say thank you to him for the peace he has given to this State.
“You know, the way he has handled the affairs of this State with maturity, the economic prosperity experienced within this short time, including the Port Harcourt Ring Road, the Trans-Kalabari Road, and other projects that impact the people positively are good signs for our people.”
Mr Benibo further said: “These are very massive projects which so many administrations had deliberately skipped from reaching the masses.
“But from the way he (Governor Fubara) is going, you understand, it seems we are in to see so many other good things in very short time. These are things the people have been expecting for years.
“So, we are here to say to the Governor, even though notwithstanding your age as a young man, you are doing what older ones could not do. So, we are saying thank you to him for what he has done, and to encourage him and his administration to remain focused in doing those good things lined up for the people of the State.”
Commenting on whether they were in Government House to felicitate with Governor Fubara on the celebration of his one year in office, Mr Benibo restated the apolitical nature of NBA, explaining that the visit had no political colouration but designed to appreciate the good works of the administration.
Mr Benibo, however, noted that the NBA observed at the State Banquet to celebrate the 57th anniversary of the creation of Rivers State, that a number of Rivers leaders with integrity who had hitherto been alienated from governance, voluntarily dedicated their time to associate with the government.
He stated that such display of friendship and brotherliness has erased the politics of bitterness that had characterised the State in recent past, adding that with such sense of purpose and direction, the State will emerge stronger politically, economically and otherwise.
He said, “Honestly, we didn’t have that at the back of our minds because we are not politicians, but inasmuch as we are here, we have come to show support and appreciation for the way he (Governor Fubara) has run the affairs of the State in a peaceful, inclusive and purpose-driven manner.
“This is because yesterday (May 27) was our 57th anniversary as a State, and we are also happy, particularly at the calibre of leaders across all spectrum of endeavours we saw during the State Banquet. It shows that the people of the State are more united now in support of the Governor and his Administration. That support is what we need to move the State forward.
“So, we saw many people that were before alienated politically, and I was happy to see them, and it tells you that just because we are enjoying peace, everybody has come around. That is governance. And we will continue to encourage them to come around because their coming together will help the State grow faster.”
Mr Benibo emphasised: “I am not a politician. I’m not APC, I’m not PDP. And I’m sure most of us here are also not politicians. But as lawyers, we are trained to talk the truth at all material times.
“So, we are here to encourage our dear performing Governor, to say: please, go ahead and provide leadership and good governance to the people of Rivers State,” he added.
