Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that enemies of the state have been defeated, noting that state is celebrating its liberation.
This was as he acknowledged the assurances of brotherly support from the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), and urged Ijaw Nation to key into the mood of liberation the state is enjoying.
Fubara said these while addressing the IYC national and state leadership during a solidarity walk to the Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday.
The solidarity walk was staged as part of activities to celebrate the heroic exploits of the late Major Isaac Adaka Boro, 56 years after his death, which is observed on 16th May every year.
Governor Fubara said the late Major Boro genuinely stood for equity, justice, and fair play and pursued his course to ensure liberation for the Ijaw people and their clans.
He emphasised that every genuine Rivers man is a liberator, adding that he was delighted to receive the IYC leadership on such auspicious day to re-enact the common purpose of liberation that they shared.
Fubara thanked the crowd for their assurances of being available to respond to his call and stand by him, should the need arise.
He however said there would not be any need to cause disruption of the pervading peace as, according to him, the enemies of the state have been defeated already.
“Because the late Major Isaac Adaka Boro 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.
“And I am 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 have 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. And what is that blood: it is the blood of action; less talk, more action,” Governor Fubara said.
He appealed to Ijaw youths to conduct themselves peacefully as they celebrate the Major Isaac Adaka Boro Day, and also be good ambassadors of the entire Ijaw Nation.
He advised that the celebration should be done in the same spirit that has enveloped the state now celebrating victory over his political detractors.
Governor Fubara promised to support the IYC Eastern Zone to have a befitting secretariat in Rivers State.
In his speech, National President of IYC, Mr Jonathan Lokpobiri, described the day as historic because Ijaw people were meeting with their governor on the Major Isaac Adaka Boro Memorial Day.
He said the meeting affirmed that the gods of Ijaw people are at work, and warned all detractors to retrace their steps and allow the governor, who he said has the full mandate of the people, to discharge his duties to the people of the state.
Lokpobiri commended Governor Fubara for his courage, bravery and commitment to good governance, insisting that his struggle and triumph resonated with the hope of all Ijaw people.
On his part, Chairman of IYC, Eastern Zone, Mr Tamuno Kpokpo, clarified that the visit was not to signify an ethnic war but to lend support in protection of the interest and continuous development of Rivers State.
He said IYC will resist anybody or group of persons anywhere who dare to cause any distraction of governance anymore in the state, and appealed that the governor be allowed to govern the State peacefully.
