Fubara Celebrates Asari Dokubo, Ateke On 60th Birthdays

The Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, has felicitated with former militant leaders and citizens of the state, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, and HRH Ateke Tom, on their 60th birthdays.
The governor, who attended the birthday celebration of Tom at Okochiri, said his administration would continue to provide social services, critical projects, and sustain peace across the State.
Fubara reiterated that the worse was over with the political crisis that confronted governance in the State, adding that the government was now working assiduously to deliver quality services and signature infrastructure projects in line with his administration’s ‘people first’ mantra.
“I identify with you, King Ateke Tom, and I want to appreciate you for standing with us. What we are doing today is moving forward and advancing our State. And I am happy that you are one of my allies.
He added, “We as a government, it is our duty to make sure that we support our own, more especially when you are contributing to peace and development of our State.
“When one marks 40, we say thank God. Somebody has marked 50, and by the special grace of God, King Ateke Tom is celebrating 60. So, I want to thank God for his life because it is only possible through God.”
Governor Fubara said looking at the life and times of King Ateke Tom, one will understand that death had moved around him, and therefore it is a miracle for him to have lived this long.
Similarly, Governor Fubara has urged Kalabari people to support his government in developing their land.
The governor made the appeal at a reception organized to celebrate the 60th birthday of Alhaji Dokubo, the Edi Abali of Kalabari in Port Harcourt.
He reiterated his commitment to completing all ongoing development projects in Kalabari land and solicited the support of stakeholders in the area against sabotaging government projects.
The Governor stated that he delved into executing the Trans-Kalabari Road, extension of Emohua-Tema Junction road to Abonnema, sand-fillng in Abonnema and Kula towns, amongst others, because they would enhance connectivity, ease mobility and improve commerce in the area.
The Governor said he did not only want to be remembered by what he was able to do in Opobo Town, but also by what he did across the state.
He said, “You were listing out a few projects that we are already embarking on in Kalabari land, and maybe one or two others that we intend to commence.
“I am not from that ethnic group but I know the importance of the Trans-Kalabari road, and others. That is why I delved into doing the projects.
“I believe strongly that I will not only be remembered for what I do for my people in Opobo, but what I do in every part of the State.
“So, I will appreciate your support. Mentioning those projects here means you are in support. And I believe that the Kalabari Ethnic Group will give us all that is required to make sure that we succeed in those projects.”
Governor Fubara said he was surprised that Alhaji Dokubo, who was born into comfort, eventually chose a path that often confined him in the forest pursuing justice, equity, and empowerment of deprived communities that had shaped the Niger Delta struggle.
The Governor noted that for discovering his purpose early in life, Alhaji Dokubo fulfilled destiny by making enormous impact with his course as designed by God.
While wishing the celebrant well in his future endeavours, Governor Fubara said his administration will support and work with him legally to sustain the cause that he has continued to represent.
He said, “I do not have any gift to give you but I will assure you that, as a government, we will work with you, we will support you to make sure that all that you believe in, will be sustained legally.
“I am wishing you the best because at this particular time in our country, in our State, all we owe ourselves and the good people of our State and our neighbours is to jointly encourage each other to support the development of our State genuinely.”
Alhaji Dokubo, said he never knew he would live to mark 60 years, given the travails, persecution and confinement in the custody of Department of State Service (DSS) Headquarters, for 12 months and 11 days.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for honouring him with his presence, saying that he never forgets acts of kindness shown to him while also pledging continued support to ensure the administration succeeds.