Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State has continued to receive acclaim and commendations on how he handled the Port Harcourt wing of the nationwide hunger protests.
One of those commending Governor Fubara is the Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, who said he is delighted and proud of the Rivers State Chief Executive for his show of exceptional leadership and understanding as well as demonstration of humanity on Day One of the nationwide hunger protests.
By this, the Mayor of Housing said Rivers State emerged as the only place where the Governor came out to sympathise with the protesters, and not to vilify them.
He observed that the Governor did not come in bullet-proof cars or behind bullet-proof glass doors but freely mixed with the people, listened to them and talked to them.
He said Gov Fubara proved that he is truly a people-first governor and a man of the people. “It showed he had no problem with the ordinary people or the masses, but that he is one of them.
“He came out freely and interacted with the people. He is on record as the first and only governor who handled the protests in such a manner.”
The Mayor of Housing also noted that Rivers State also recorded zero violence or vandalism, rather, that there was demonstration of love between the governor and the people.
“He also demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities by sticking to the needs of the people. This is the second time he has done this.
“This coincided with submission of the report of the Economic Summit whereby the Governor touched the issues at the core of Rivers State, being plans to build an economic hub in the state through the establishment of relevant agencies and institutions that would engage with investors and the private sector.”
The CEO of the Housing and Construction Mayor Limited said both at the economic summit and to the protesters, the Governor showed huge tolerance and ability to listen to the people. He respected them enough to also talk back to them and spoke to their needs.
China said: “He almost turned the protest to a kind of carnival. When the people are aggrieved, they want to hear words that pacify them and reassure them. They want to hear commitments from the authorities.
“Just as they say two wrongs do not make a right, any attempt by those in authority to antagonize the people further or try to protest their protest will heighten the tension and create more anger and tension.
“Coming out to express sympathy and speak to their needs, and to show that you are working hard to address their difficulties is not only a show of goodwill but a sign of a feeling for the people.
“I bet you, by what he did on Day One, even if the protests continue, it would become a celebration.”
The investor said he was glad that the governor has promised to make the summit an annual event, saying this has also proved he is ready to give the people fair hearing.
China said the ‘Rivers-first’ mantra has gained national acclaim by the Governor being first to address the protesters not through the media but live. By this, he stated, the Governor’s mantra has found expression directly with the people.
“He seems ready to make Rivers State as investment hub. In a few years, the mantra would not only spread to Rivers-first investment destination, but to first in every sector, the economy, health, education, tourism, etc. Rivers State may set example for others to follow. The investment community is watching, and we hope it would turn out as the signals indicate.”