Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has vowed that he would not govern the state on bended knees, but would rather rule with pride stressing that he would continue to stand up for what is right and the people.

Although Governor Fubara did not directly mention anyone’s name, he lamented that his political foes were currently engaging in a fierce battle for the soul of the State to destroy it, adding that only well-meaning persons who are standing firmly with him can wield the force of unity to save it.

Governor Fubara made the remarks at the country home of Sir Celestine Omehia in Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday.

The Governor, accompanied by some elders of the State, was in Ubima to commiserate with Sir Omehia, who had just laid his late mother, Mrs Ezinne Cecilia Omehia, to rest after 95 years.

Fubara said, “I will not, I repeat, I will not govern our dear State on my knees (bending). If that was the purpose, I will not do that. I will stand to govern our dear State and stand continually on the side of right.

“But politics of bitterness will not take us anywhere. So, I want to thank you that, at this stage, we have a few of you who understand that Rivers State belongs to everyone of us. We must, therefore, fight together to sustain the soul of this State.”

Governor Fubara in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Nelson Chukwudi on Saturday, added that the visit was to demonstrate love and show support to Sir Omehia who, as a son who had satisfactorily performed the duty of giving his mother a befitting burial.

“I have come here with a few of us; very respected elders of the State, to come and support you and say to you that ‘we sorrow with you’.

“The most important thing is to show our concern and love. Any human being that shows enmity to death, that person is not even normal.

“We also rejoice with you for a life lived well to fulfillment by Mama. We wish Mama safe journey. Let her stay well where she has gone.”

Governor Fubara emphasised the need for every true lover of the State to synergise and be resolute in the fight to safeguard the soul of Rivers State.

The Governor decried politics of bitterness and the danger it has on the progress of the State, which according to him, should be discouraged as a bad political culture in contemporary times.

“Anybody who claims to love this State should not be party to anything, directly or indirectly, that will bring us backwards. We will continue to support every course that will advance the interest of our dear Rivers State.

“And I am happy to say, and I’ve said it over and again, it doesn’t matter the number of people that are standing with me, I will stand on that side of truth.”

In his speech, Sir Celestine Omehia, expressed appreciation, on behalf of his family, to Governor Fubara, his delegation and other friends, among whom, were those he described as matured elders, for the show of love.

He said his mother died at 95 years, which is 25 years of grace added to the 70 years as specified in the Bible, assuring that he will sustain her legacy because she was their role model.

Sir Omehia also said that he was well known as a man who takes decision and stands by it no matter the consequences.

He, therefore, declared: “I have taken a decision to be SIMplified. Where ever you go (Fubara), is where I will go. If you say tomorrow, you are no more interested in this position, I will also stop fighting for anything in Rivers State.

“But, God who gave you the opportunity will also give you all the wisdom, strength, power and everything that it takes to govern the people of Rivers State and beyond.”

He assured the Governor that almost the entire people of the State, including chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, women, youths, civil society groups and professionals across all spectrums of the State were praying and working assiduously for the success of his administration.

Sir Omehia told the Governor that it is that support and prayers of the people that he needs to succeed, because, according to him, one with God, is with majority, and will always excel and succeed.

He, therefore, urged the Governor to continue in his strides to deliver good governance, peaceful and prosperous State to the present and future generations.

Highlights of the event were the offering of prayers by leaders of Ikwerre Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers for the Governor and his Administration as well as the symbolic presentation of gifts to Governor Fubara in appreciation of his peaceful disposition and quality leadership of the State.

In a separate development, Governor Fubara, has confirmed that five persons lost their lives in the tanker Inferno that rocked the state on Friday night, while 120 vehicles were burnt beyond repair.

Governor Fubara who described the incident as a very unfortunate tragedy, said the development became a sad episode in the State, blamed the disaster on drivers’ impatience.

The Governor disclosed that the explosion occurred after a tanker driver had an altercation with a tipper driver along the East West road, near Indorama Petrochemical and Fertiliser Company Limited.

He said, “It is a very sad day in our dear State. Something happened in Eleme, along the route of Indorama Petrochemical and Fertiliser Company Limited. A tanker had an issue with a tipper, and there was an unfortunate situation that caused the State a very devastating loss.

“I went there this morning to see for myself what really happened, and I can tell you, I’ve not been happy since then. With all the dramas in our State, it is not even proper for us to add that to it.

“But it wasn’t our fault. It was just what impatience caused. The tanker driver, knowing the state of that road was not patient, and it resulted in that colossal loss. Over 120 vehicles were completely burnt and five lives were lost. It was very unfortunate.”

The Governor, commiserated with those who lost loved ones and others whose vehicles were burnt beyond repairs, and added that the State Government mourns and grieves with them.