The governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has informed the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) that his administration has defeated enemies of the state in the ongoing political face-off rocking the oil rich state.
According to Fubara, the enemies could not sleep well again after they failed to achieve what they thought they would have done while celebrating his one year in office.
He acknowledged the assurances of brotherly support from the IYC and urged the Ijaw nation to key into the celebration of the liberation of the state.
Recall that there has been ongoing bad blood between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Though, an attempt by President Bola Tinubu to settle the dispute met a brick wall as the warring parties refused to capitulate.
While thanking the IYC members, Fubara encouraged the Ijaw nation to participate in celebrating the liberation of the state.
The governor noted that Major Isaac Adaka Boro genuinely stood for equity, justice, and fair play, and pursued his course to ensure liberation for the Ijaw people and their clans.
He stated that every genuine Rivers man is a liberator, adding that he was happy to receive them on such auspicious day to re-enact the common purpose of liberation that they shared.
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.
“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.
“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. What is that blood? It is the blood of action; less talk, more action.”
Also, Fubara appealed to Ijaw youths to conduct themselves peacefully as they celebrated Boro Day and also be good ambassadors of the entire Ijaw nation.
He stressed that it should be done in the same spirit that had enveloped the state, celebrating victory over his political detractors.
Meanwhile, in his speech, the National President of IYC, Jonathan Lokpobiri, described the day as historic because Ijaw people were meeting with their governor at Major Isaac Adaka Boro Day memorial.
Lokpobiri said it affirmed that the gods of the Ijaw people were at work, and warned all detractors to retrace their steps and allow the governor, who had the full mandate of the people, to discharge his duties to Rivers people.
He lauded Fubara for his courage, bravery, and dedication to good governance, asserting that his perseverance and victory echoed the aspirations of all Ijaw people.