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Fubara Hinges RSG’s Success On God’s Grace
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that his administration is still standing strong, delivering dividends of democracy to the people and solving critical problems of governance despite the sudden political crisis that erupted and persisted in the State because of God’s grace.
The Governor said that the successes recorded so far were possible because God has been graciously upholding the government, offering it the right direction and giving him the strength to carry on.
Governor Fubara spoke at the State Banquet to celebrate his first one year in office and 57th Anniversary of the creation of Rivers State at Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday night.
The State Chief Executive Officer said that while others were celebrating one full year of service to the people, he has only actually been in control of real governance characterised by prudence, purposefulness and protection of the interest of the State in the last four months.
He said that under his watch, Rivers State Government has provided “Governance that has the interest of our people at heart. Governance that is prudent. Governance that has respect for you: all of you.
”We decided to have this banquet today to say: thank you, thank you and thank you to everyone of you. You have supported us.
”The last time I had this opportunity to dine with you was on 1st of January, 2024, and you know, the mood was not like this. We never knew we could even stand up till today.”
Governor Fubara further said: “You see the reason why we need to give God all the glory. It is very simple: one thing is very important and unique; we are succeeding because we are on the side of God.
”It is not just standing on the side of God; because every body professes to be standing on the side of God, even the native doctor would call on God.
“But what is important is God being in your business. God is in our business. And because He is in our business, we will continue to survive, no matter where they are coming from,” he said.
Governor Fubara insisted that his purpose in government is to deliver the dividends of democracy to Rivers people, which will not be compromised.
”It takes somebody who loves this State genuinely to embark on a project like the Trans-Kalabari Road. I am not from that axis of the riverine, where somebody would say I’m doing it because I’m from there. No. That project alone will cost this government over N225billion.
”But so far, to show our commitment that we are not just saying that we want to do it, we have started it, and we believe in delivering it.
”We believe that when this project is completely delivered, security issues will be reduced, development will come to our people in far remote areas that you could hitherto only traverse through the sea, issues of water piracy will be gone, including issues of boat mishaps that we keep recording,” he added.
Governor Fubara urged the people to see this project as an effort towards the expansion of the State and ensuring that development extends to other parts of the State away from the centre of Port Harcourt City.
He added, “I don’t want to talk about the Port Harcourt Ring Road. That already you know is ongoing. It is already on a familiar ground.
”Are we talking about the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road? Those are things we are doing to tell our people that we are interested in the development of the State,” the Governor clarified.
Governor Fubara pointed out: “We all know the situation of our healthcare services in this State. It is not pretending! What you call the BMHS – the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) – might be functioning but what about the zonal hospitals? What about the general hospitals?”
Emphasising his administration’s commitment to turning around the fortunes of healthcare sector in the State, Governor Fubara assured of making sure that all zonal hospitals come on stream in the next six months.
He said, “Are we even talking about the health sector? We have given ourselves a task that in the next six months, all our zonal hospitals, including the general hospitals in strategic LGAs must function.
“If you have the money to afford healthcare services at affordable rate, you don’t have a problem. You don’t need to go to private hospitals when the government hospitals are functioning.
“Are we talking about our schools? Our focus is to take Rivers State from where we have met it to another level. A level where we know that everybody can afford to send their children to school. It is not everyone who can send their children to those expensive private schools out there!
”So, we want to provide the basics. It is only when we have those basics that issues of crime would be reduced. It is only when we have those basics that criminality, including kidnapping, cultism, will also reduce,” he explained.
“You have schools that you can send your children, and they can learn and compete favourably with those in private schools, what else?”
Governor Fubara restated the concern of his administration, which is to improve the livelihood and well-being of the people.
He solicited more support from leaders of the State, and more especially, the other arms of government – the Legislature and Judiciary – to enable the government serve the people better.
According to him, “We mean well for this State. We will respect you and provide enabling environment for you to succeed. We also believe that you will respect and partner with us while we work for the wellbeing of our State.
”For our royal fathers: we want to thank you for your support. You have a lot to do. You are the closest to our people. You are the leaders of the communities.
”Everybody who lives in every community, you know them. In fact, you know the good, the bad and the ugly! Please, ensure that you take control of all your domains.
”Be very useful to the security agencies. Anything you know that you know you can do to help us to maintain peace, do not hesitate to do that for us.
”We know they might be planning for some things, but I don’t bother about that. Why I do not bother is: I believe that we have too much trouble to worry about. So, each day, as it comes, God will give us the strength to handle it better and overcome.”
Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to the former Governor of the State, Dr Peter Odili, and an elder statesman, Senator John Azuta Mbata, among others who have continued to stand with his administration.
”Let me specially thank our leader, Sir Dr Prter Odili. Let me specially thank Senator John Mbata. I have a reason to say this, and everyone of you know it.
”But I need to call out these two: they are a strong symbol causing problem in the camp of the opposition. Each time they stand with us, they’re one million in one man, and it is troubling them.
”And this evening, with the calibre of people sitting on this table, there will be confusion somewhere. So you can see the handiwork of God! It is not me. It is when God is in control, He makes everything perfect in His way and in His time,” he said.
Governor Fubara also thanked the security agencies for their various levels of support that had ensured that peace prevailed in the State, and urged them to continue to sustain the tempo.
He said, “We know that a lot of people are planning one thing or the other, but because you’re gentlemen and women of honour, you have never accepted to join in destroying what we have as a State. So, I want to thank you, on behalf of the government.”
He specifically called out the heads of security agencies, military and paramilitary services in the State, and thanked them profusely for the immeasurable support and cooperation they have given to his administration, which had facilitated the successes recorded thus far.
In his speech, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Tammy Danagogo, said as the State marks the 57th Anniversary of its creation and first one year in office of Governor Fubara, a book on the Old Rivers State is also being unveiled, written by a cross section of elites, intellectuals and leaders from Rivers and Bayelsa states.
He said: “You will agree with me that in the past one year, His Excellency has proven his mettle by maintaining peace and security all across the State, completing most of the ongoing projects we met on assumption of office, and initiating several crucial new projects all across the State.
The SSG said, “I am sure you all know, projects like the Unity Road (the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Road) which was started by our father, Dr Peter Odili and successive governments took it up to Opobo, and Ikuru Town axis, he has within one year taken it up to Ngo Town, the headquarters of Andoni Local Government Area.
“I am sure you also know that the Port Harcourt Ring Road was on the drawing board for more than 20 years, and within one year, he has awarded the contract. I am sure you also see it on the road that Julius Berger is at jet-speed to achieve it within record time.”
Dr Danagogo also talked about the original route of the Trans-Kalabari Road project, which he said was initially awarded by Dr Peter Odili, and eventually abandoned by the contractors; an indigenous son.
Since then, Dr Danagogo said, no government could dare re-award it, but Governor Fubara had broken the jinx and got the project started.
“Or is it the main Trans-Kalabari Road? It can only take a man with a lion’s heart to dare to embark on the construction of that road. Many successive governments had avoided awarding the contract because it is a very huge endeavour.
“But Governor Fubara has taken up the challenge, and awarded the contract. Today, work has commenced on the project that promises to open up that axis of the riverine to inclusive development”.
He said: “The same thing has happened with the new dualization of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road, which His Excellency had also graciously awarded.
“These are very massive and gigantic projects that only a Governor with a lion’s heart can dare to award. And these and many more projects that we have initiated would be outlined in a Scorecard that would be presented at an account of Stewardship Forum which would hold on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt at 10am,” he added.
In his remarks on the book on Old Rivers State, Mr Biobele Da-Wariboko, said that the team of 97 authors and contributors from both Rivers and Bayelsa States began the process of writing the book titled: ‘Rivers Golden Expedition, Trials And Triumphs’ in 2016.
He noted that so many factors prevented the completion and launch of the book in 2017, and attributed the launch on May 27, 2024, to providence and the grace of God.
He noted the eminent Rivers and Bayelsa indigenes who contributed to the success of the book, and described the compendium as a ‘collector’s treasure’, which every Rivers son and daughter must read to keep abreast of the history, endowments and potentials of the State.
Highlights of the State Banquet were the cutting of the 57th Rivers Creation Anniversary Cake and official launch of the ‘Rivers Golden Expedition, Trials And Triumphs’ by the Governor Fubara, who was accompanied by former governors, deputy governors, senators, traditional rulers, and other leaders across the Isles.
There were also toasts for the peace, progress and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Rivers State as well as their respective leaders, in an evening of good music, comedy, dance, food and fun.
Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of his administration to peace, unity, security, and inclusive development as Rivers State marked its 59th anniversary, last Wednesday.
In a goodwill message issued on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary, Governor Fubara stated that despite the challenges faced over the years, the people of Rivers State have continued to demonstrate resilience, strength, and an enduring spirit of unity that has sustained the state since its creation.
The Governor noted that the strong bond of brotherhood among the various ethnic nationalities of the state, including the Ijaw, Ikwerre, Ogoni, Etche, Ekpeye, Andoni, Kalabari, and others, remains one of Rivers State’s greatest strengths and a critical foundation for peace, stability, and progress.
He further observed that Rivers State has remained a major driver of Nigeria’s economy for decades, not only because of its abundant oil and gas resources, but also because of the exceptional contributions of its people across diverse sectors including academia, jurisprudence, business, entertainment, public service, and sports.
Governor Fubara assured the people that his administration will continue to prioritize policies and programmes that promote peace, protect lives and property, and expand development across all parts of the state. He emphasized that governance must be people centered and impactful, with equal attention given to every Local Government Area of the state.
The Governor also paid tribute to the elders and founding leaders of the state for preserving the spirit of unity and coexistence over the years, while urging the youths to remain hopeful, responsible, and actively committed to building a greater Rivers State through innovation, hard work, and patriotism.
He equally acknowledged the invaluable role of women in strengthening families, communities, and society, describing them as indispensable partners in the continued growth and stability of the state.
Governor Fubara called on all Rivers people to use the occasion of the anniversary as a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, dialogue, and collective progress, stressing that the unity and future of Rivers State must always rise above personal interests and political differences.
Rivers State was created on May 27, 1967, by General Yakubu Gowon.
The Rivers State Government has distributed science equipment and materials to all senior secondary schools across the state to support students during the ongoing West African Examinations Council exams and to strengthen practical learning.
Flagging off the distribution at the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board premises in Port Harcourt, on Monday, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, said the move demonstrates Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s commitment to improving education standards in the State.
Nwagor said the materials were approved and provided by the state government specifically to boost the teaching and learning of science subjects, describing science education as the foundation for technological advancement, innovation, and national development.
“No society can compete globally without deliberate investment in science and technology,” the Commissioner stated.
He commended the governor for consistently prioritising the education sector by providing tools needed for effective teaching and hands-on learning.
The Commissioner directed principals to ensure that the equipment are used strictly for practical lessons in their schools, warning that any principal or administrator found diverting, hoarding, or selling the materials wil face disciplinary action under public service regulations.
Nwagor also warned against examination malpractice, saying any principal found aiding or encouraging malpractices will be decisively sanctioned.
“We must collectively restore the dignity and credibility of our educational system,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman, Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board, Tony Egwurugwu, urged school heads to make judicious use of the materials for students’ benefit.
He thanked the State Government for providing the resources, and assured that monitoring mechanisms would be put in place to ensure the materials serve their intended purpose.
In his own remarks, a Board Member for Technical Education, Nwisabari Bani Samuel, expressed appreciation to the governor for prioritising education and acknowledged the Commissioner’s role in advancing education development in the State.
He said the distribution covers all senior secondary schools in the State and is intended to improve students’ performance in both internal and external science examinations.
Akujobi Amadi