I won’t yield to machinations of selfish politicians –Fubara

The Rivers State Governor, Sir Similanayi Fubara, has said that his administration will never yield to machinations of self-serving politicians.

He said despite the deliberate attempts by those he described as detractors, the state government would remain focused on delivering good governance to the people to justify the mandate freely given to it by the electorate.

Although Fubara did not mention names, he has been enmeshed in power play with his successor, Nyesome Wike, and his (Wike’s) allies in recent times.

Governor Fubara disclosed this through the Deputy governor of Rivers State, Professor Ngozi Odu, while receiving a delegation of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) led by its 13th National President, Dr. James Ekerare Neminebor, to the Government House in Port Harcourt.

He noted that the interest of the state came first before any other considerations, stressing that no matter the pressure, the government would never yield to the machinations of self-serving politicians and individuals.

He said that the choice of the state for the annual gathering of professional accountants was an eloquent indication that the state was safe not just for national conferences, summits and retreats, but also for long-term investors and visitors, as the state was peaceful, hospitable and investment-friendly.

The governor urged the leadership of the association to sustain the promotion of excellence in financial reporting and practice in the country.

He charged ANAN to remain consistent in professional financial practice as that was one best way to institutionalize best practices, due diligence and transparency in governance.

He said, “It is, indeed, gratifying that when conferences or meetings are scheduled in Rivers State, for us, it is a plus because it resonates with the fact that Rivers State is safe; that Rivers State is a place where you can do business and interact with people,” the governor added.

“So, know that it’s actually a pleasure to have you come hold your Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) programme in Port Harcourt. And also to say that it is an association that rings a bell.

“In fact, two of my staff actually passed their training examinations. It was in Jos, and I asked them: what are you going to do there? And they said, it was mandatory for them. So, you’re doing a good and wonderful job.

“It is good to be good and consistent so that you have that integrity for the association. And to congratulate you for the college that has been established because of anything to do with education. It is something that is top notch because people have to learn, train and be retrained.

In his address, the 13th National President of the association, Dr. James Ekerare Neminebor, said they were in the Government House on a solidarity visit to the governor, who is a fellow of the Association.

Dr Neminebor explained that as a body of 55,000 members with 44 branches across Nigeria, they are reckoned as one of the topmost institutes for practicing accountants.