Clearly, the state of affairs in our country is such that it has become compelling to salute the few compatriots who stretch out their necks for the guillotine in their quest to serve the common good.

It is evident that, in order to make impact in the Nigerian political turf, one must be made of a sterner stuff mentally, emotionally, morally, intellectually, physically, ideologically and every other relevant material credentials. This is why a great many decent men and women have steered clear of the “rumbling in the jungle”, not being certain of their calling and conviction for genuine leadership.

It is against premise that one cannot but recognize and identify Hon. Goodboy Sokari Goodboy as one of the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy today, and particularly in Rivers State, alongside Rt Hon. Edison Ogaranya Ehie (DSSRS), Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, and other members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who are standing for the emancipation of the less privileged in society against politics of goodfatherism.

Hon. Goodboy is presently the House Leader who has demonstrated steadfastness along with his colleagues in the Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Rivers State House of Assembly, writing their names in gold in the political sands of time by the way they have stood for truth, and against falsehood, deceit and dishonesty in the highest echelon of management of state affairs.

Certainly, when bookmakers re-write our history, his contributions will be included. He has represented his constituency, Ahoada West Local Government Area, very well and the people are happy.

Hon. Goodboy Sokari Goodboy had meritoriously served as the President of Abua/Odual, Engenni and Ogbogolo special area of the highly respected Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide. He is a proud son of Ijaw from Engenni extraction who has vowed to make Ijaw proud in any field of human endeavour he is called upon to serve humanity.

Hon. Goodboy Sokari believes that now that the nation is paying attention to the advocacy that governance be entrusted on the youth to protect and preserve, it behoves on youths like him in positions of authority to uphold that trust for posterity. This singular line of belief is the driving force for his firm and unflinching support for our indefatigable governor, Sir Siminialayi Joseph Fubara (GSSRS) and his Chief of Staff, Rt Hon. Edison Ehie.

He maintains that his constituents are stoutly behind the governor because of his people centered policies, programmes and projects aimed at changing the ugly developmental narrative of the people since his Inauguration as the Chief Executive Officer of the state.

Hon. Goodboy Sokari Goodboy, without doubt, is of the school of thought that His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has started well. He has, as expected, shown that he knows the collective yearning and aspirations of the people and his constituents are proud they gave the governor their mandate.

Hon. Goodboy Sokari is a man to be relied upon; he knows that laws are meant to protect and better lot of the general public, not to satisfy individual needs.The truth is that Ahoada West Local Government Area and all patriotic citizens of Rivers State are happy with the bold step the lawmaker has taken to stand for the undiluted truth in line with the oath of office he took at his inauguration, not minding whose ox is gored.

Hon Goodboy, the Rivers State needs you around; your constituency desperately needs your wisdom, your raw courage, your inextinguishable energy and zeal to fight the good fight of Democracy and justice.

To say the least, the youth and your teeming supporters in the Ijaw nation, as well as established and up coming politicians, are proud of you whenever they remember that, in their feeble state, they see a political pillar in you to lean on.

Hon. Goodboy Sokari, and your fellow lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly, it’s an understatement to say that people of the State are grateful to you for standing tall behind our governor in the time of trouble till now. Your firm position on the struggle to emancipate our state from economic hostage and mental slavery by imperial powers of darkness, definitely stand you out as crusaders who are not afraid confront evil behaviours of some of our leaders.

You and your eminent colleagues are being variously described by society watchers as passionate, focussed, humane and highly committed to any cause you believe in for the betterment of society. It shows that you have undying love and passion for politics and the people you represent. You have proven to be true democrats of the finest order.

I dare say that for Rivers State to join the league of progressive and prosperous States in Nigeria, our people must resolve to live up to the highest moral creed expected of them and that includes shunning godfatherism and keeping to our conscience instead of their pockets or bank accounts.

As Rivers people, we must be willing and ready to stay with the best by supporting the present administration of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

No two people can captain a ship. Today, as it stands, Governor Sim Fubara at the helm of leadership of the State and he is the captain. He is the number one citizen of Rivers State according to government and governance. The power and authority of implementation of policies and programmes are domiciled with him as the governor.

Hon.Goodboy Sokari Goodboy, your constituents are hugely proud of you for your solid support and determined resolve to be counted among the courageous few on the side of the governor and the people of Rivers State when it mattered most. God bless and give you the wisdom of King Solomon to stay the course and win for (and with) the people.

OSUNDU, Public Affairs Commentator, writes from Port-Harcourt.