Civil servants in Rivers State, particularly those stationed at the state secretariat, temporarily abandoned their official duties to jubilantly celebrate Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s recent triumph at the Supreme Court against Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 election.
The atmosphere at the state secretariat was charged with excitement as workers gathered in open spaces, dancing to the beats of Burna Boy and Duncan Mighty blaring from loudspeakers.
The celebration marked a resounding rejection of what the workers referred to as ‘godfatherism,’ emphasising that such influences have no place in the governance of their state.
Workers expressed their gratitude towards Governor Fubara, describing him as a righteous leader who had brought positive changes. Some employees highlighted their grievances during the previous administration, claiming that promotions were neglected, and those fortunate to receive promotions shortly before Governor Wike’s tenure did not see corresponding increases in their salaries.
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A civil servant from the Ministry of Information and Communications shared, “For the first time in almost a decade, Fubara put a smile on our faces by gifting us the sum of N100,000 for the Christmas celebration. What else can we say but to thank God that he has made it possible for our dear governor to be at the Supreme Court.”
Echoing similar sentiments, another worker from the Ministry of Commerce, who identified himself as “Baba,” declared, “For the first time in almost a decade, Fubara put a smile on our faces by gifting us the sum of N100,000 for the Christmas celebration. What else can we sit but to thank God that he has made it possible for our dear governor to be at the Supreme Court.
“Rivers is finally free from godfatherism and oppression. It is not right for any man to play God no matter the height he has attained,” Baba added.
The celebration follows a prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, characterized by conflicts between politicians aligned with Governor Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike on various occasions.