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Fubara’ll Consolidate On Our Giant Strides, Wike Assures Electorate
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has assured the people of the state that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, would consolidate on the achievements of his administration.
The governor warned that the infrastructural and human capacity development successes recorded by his administration would be reversed, if those who don’t mean well for the state are erroneously voted into office.
Speaking at the flag-off of Ekagho-Ogboloma-Adada Link Road, in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, last Friday, Wike said the PDP governorship candidate, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, have been accompanying him to flag off projects so that they would continue from where he stops.
He urged the people to vote for Fubara and Ordu, and the other candidates of the party in the 2023 general election.
According to him, at the appropriate time, they would be notified by their leaders which presidential candidate to vote for next month.
Wike expressed delight that his administration was the one opening up the Odual axis of Abua/Odual Local Government Area to development since the creation of the state.
He regretted that past politicians had merely visited the area to solicit for votes, and after each election, they abandon the people.
However, the governor said he has decided to break the jinx by fulfilling his promise to provide the people with basic infrastructure such as good road network that would in turn boost socio-economic activities in the area.
Wike noted the pressure mounted by the Abua/Odual PDP political leaders on his administration to embark on the project, which now serves as evidence of democratic dividend they have attracted to the area.
He assured that the other untouched 12kilometres road that connects Ogboloma community to Emago-Kugbo would be attended to by his successor.
Wike queried the failure of Lubrik Construction Company (LCC) to mobilise to site to commence work on the 8.168kilometres Abua-Emoh-Iyak-Ighom; Emoh/Egbolom access road in Abua axis of the council.
He wondered why LCC would delay moving to site two months after his administration had released mobilisation fee to them.
Wike directed his commissioner for works to ensure that the contractor moves to site within 24hours.
He frowned at the lacklustre attitude by some contractors which often impinge on delay in time of delivery of projects or frustrate actual completion, which could lead to abandonment.
The governor wondered why LCC was not utilising the dry season weather and mobilise to site.
He observed that often, most construction companies wait for the rains to start and use it as excuse.
Wike, therefore, announced the appointment of special assistants who would report directly to him on the pace of work on the two road projects.
He also urged Abua/Odual people to cry out when they notice slow pace of work on the two road projects.
Providing the description of the project, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr Dakorinima Alabo George-Kelly, said the 9.2kilometres long Ekagho-Ogboloma-Adada Link Road would have a composite pavement with soil substitution that would resist succumbing to impact of flash flooding.
He stated that with 4kilometers drainage, the project was expected for completion and handover within the next four months.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene