•Charges Govs. On Insecurity, Banditry

*Commends Tinubu’s Reforms

By Daniel Abia, P/Harcourt

Despite the widespread criticisms against his anti-masses economic policies, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been highly commended for some of the economic programs initiated by his administration to reposition the country on the path of national growth and development.

Giving the appraisal on Tuesday to mark the country’s 64th independence anniversary in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara taunted the Minister of the federal capital territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike and others that his administration will not surrender to barefaced blackmail while committing to consolidating on the gains made in ensuring the peace, advancing good governance, delivering more critical projects, and sustaining the increase in the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State.

Governor Fubara recalled with nostalgia the historic event of 1st October in 1960 with the first Prime Minister of Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa raising Nigeria’s much cherished green-white-green flag to signify the independence and freedom gained from the British colonial rule.

“The vision of our founding fathers at independence was to build a united and secure nation anchored on the values of brotherhood, democracy, justice, and the equality of all peoples, tribes and nations.

“Our leaders, past and present, have kept on doing their best to keep the country together and advance the progress and well-being of the citizens.”

Despite those sacrifices, Governor Fubara said that Nigeria still totters amid diverse challenges, including widespread human insecurity, after 64 years of self-rule. “But, despite the economic hardship and social ills bedevilling our nation and stifling its progress, we still have good reasons to celebrate and be grateful to God as a nation and people.

“We are known all over the world as hardworking, confident and happy people. We are known for our enormous natural and human resources and economic potential. We are also known for our rich cultural diversity – a vibrant nation where different religions, languages and traditions co-exist peacefully.”

“Let us also commit ourselves to work hand in hand with the Federal Government to tackle the economic, social, and political challenges, including judicial terrorism, nepotism, corruption, and abuse of power, that have diminished our democracy, stifled our economic growth, and caused untold hardship to our people”.

The Rivers State Governor commended President Bola Tinubu for being bold and determined to drive his economic reforms, which are targeted at correcting the structural deformities of the past.

He urged his “fellow Governors to redouble their efforts to fight the scourge of insecurity and banditry in the North, and pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta region of the country, for the ongoing economic reforms to bear the needed positive results.

“On our part, we assure the Federal Government and Mr President of unalloyed loyalty and support from the Government and good people of Rivers State, and reaffirm our commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria as one indivisible nation.

“We will continue to support and work with the Federal Government and the security agencies to advance the security and well-being of all citizens, protect national economic assets and guarantee the security and smooth operations of local, national, and multinational companies and investments in our State.”

Governor Fubara assured that his administration will work assiduously to ensure the safety and security of lives and property while guaranteeing equal social and economic opportunities for all residents of Rivers State.