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Nigeria @64: We’ll Not Surrender To Barefaced Blackmail – Fubara …Lauds President Tinubu’s Robust Economic Reforms …•Promises To Always Put Rivers People First
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will not surrender to barefaced blackmail while committing to consolidating on the gains made in ensuring the peace, advancing good governance, delivering more critical projects, and sustaining the increase in the Internally Generation Revenue (IGR) of the State.
The Governor also commended President Bola Tinubu, for his bold, dynamic and pragmatic economic reforms targetted at correcting the structural deformities of the past, and ushering Nigeria into a new vista of sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
Governor Fubara spoke on Tuesday during the 64th Nigerian Independence Day Anniversary Parade that at the Government House Arcade in Port Harcourt.
The Governor said 1st October in 1960 was historic with the first Prime Minister of Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa raising Nigeria’s much cherished green-white-green flag to signify the independence and freedom gained from the British colonial rule.
Thereafter, Governor Fubara noted that there has been heroic sacrifices by founding fathers, other leaders, brave men and women, who had made numerous achievements in sustaining freedom and promoting the unity and progress of Nigeria.
He said, “The vision of our founding fathers at independence was to build a united and secure nation anchored on the values of brotherhood, democracy, justice, and the equality of all peoples, tribes and nations.
“Our leaders, past and present, have kept on doing their best to keep the country together and advance the progress and well-being of the citizens.”
Despite those sacrifices, Governor Fubara said that Nigeria still totters amid diverse challenges, including widespread human insecurity, after 64 years of self-rule.
Governor Fubara pointed to the prevailing economic hardship that has made life more difficult for most Nigerians, and stressed, “But, despite the economic hardship and social ills bedevilling our nation and stifling its progress, we still have good reasons to celebrate and be grateful to God as a nation and people.
“We are known all over the world as hardworking, confident and happy people. We are known for our enormous natural and human resources and economic potential.
“We are also known for our rich cultural diversity – a vibrant nation where different religions, languages and traditions co-exist peacefully.”
Governor Fubara urged Nigerians to be thankful that God has endowed them with everything required to build a great nation where no one should ever be oppressed, and where all should live in peace and plenty.
The Governor said, it is, therefore, important for Nigerians to keep faith with the vision of the founding leaders and do so by reaffirming their fidelity to one indivisible nation under God, and pledge themselves to each other in freedom, peace, and justice.
“Let us also commit ourselves to work hand in hand with the Federal Government to tackle the economic, social, and political challenges, including judicial terrorism, nepotism, corruption, and abuse of power, that have diminished our democracy, stifled our economic growth, and caused untold hardship to our people.
“With an unyielding commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and good governance, and working together for the common interest, we can overcome all our challenges, and prevail over the enemies of progress.”
Governor Fubara believed that it is only through the collective efforts of Nigerians that Nigeria can become the greatest black nation and reckoned as the global leader in human civilization so desired.
The Rivers State Governor commended President Bola Tinubu for being bold and determined to drive his economic reforms, which are targetted at correcting the structural deformities of the past.
He explained, “I urge fellow Governors to redouble their efforts to fight the scourge of insecurity and banditry in the North, and pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta region of the country, for the ongoing economic reforms to bear the needed positive results.
“On our part, we assure the Federal Government and Mr President of unalloyed loyalty and support from the Government and good people of Rivers State, and reaffirm our commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria as one indivisible nation.
“We will continue to support and work with the Federal Government and the security agencies to advance the security and well-being of all citizens, protect national economic assets and guarantee the security and smooth operations of local, national, and multinational companies and investments in our State.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will work assiduously to ensure the safety and security of lives and property while guaranteeing equal social and economic opportunities for all residents of Rivers State.
He expressed strong faith and strength in God, who only, is able to strengthen his administration to sustain efforts at promoting, protecting, and defending the political, social and economic interests of Rivers State, at all cost.
He added, “I further assure you that we will never compromise on our commitments to delivering the dividends of democracy and good governance to the citizens of Rivers State.
“We will complete the Port Harcourt Ring Road, the Ikwerre-Emohua-Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni link dual carriageway, and all other ongoing road projects on schedule. We will also deliver the N225billion Trans-Kalabari Road before the end of our first term.
“We are giving considerable attention to education with the rehabilitation of schools, provision of educational materials, implementation of 65-year teachers’ retirement age, and approval for the recruitment of more teachers in line with the recommendations of the Needs Assessment Committee Report.”
Governor Fubara said remodelling, expansion and construction work has progressed to level of completion on the Zonal Hospitals at Ahoada, Bori, Degema, Omoku, and the General Hospital at Bonny.
He also explained that work has started on the new General Hospital in Rumuigbo community with work on the new ultra-modern Psychiatric Hospital, also at Rumuigbo, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, intensifying.
Governor Fubara said: “Our efforts in healthcare manpower development have resulted in the full accreditation of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital for six special programmes, including surgery, plastic reconstruction surgery, urology, radiodiagnosis, and orthopaedics from the West African College of Surgeons.
“We have made considerable improvements in internal revenue generation and set up the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency to drive the industrialisation of the State to create jobs and generate more economic opportunities and revenues for citizens and the State.
“Agriculture for food security, job creation, and empowerment and other areas of interest, including transportation, youth skills tooling, the blue economy, and micro, small, and medium enterprises development, will receive serious and dedicated attention going forward.”
Governor Fubara extended appreciation to men and officers of the Armed Forces for their services of bravery and worthy sacrifice in defending the collective freedom, unity and security of the nation.
He particularly appreciated the Police, the Department of State Services, and other security agencies for their sacrifices and contributions to internal peace, security, and stability of Rivers State.
He stressed, “I also thank and appreciate the good people of Rivers State and Nigerians across the country for your support and standing with us on the side of courage, truth and justice from the inception of our government to date.
“I assure you that we will never surrender to barefaced lies and blackmail from anyone, no matter how powerful he may be, but remain focused and re-dedicated to the interest of the nation, our dear Rivers State and the cause of our people,” he added.
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Fubara Frowns At Slow Pace Of Ndele–Omofo–Egmini–Agba-Ndele Road Project ….Says Contract May Be Reviewed
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress of work on the 14.5-kilometer Ndele/Omofo/Egamini/Agba-Ndele Road project located off the East–West Road in Emohua Local Government Area.
Addressing newsmen during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, the Governor noted that the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contracting firm, Messrs Stream Co. & Equipment Limited, fell below acceptable standards.
He was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who briefed the Governor on the status of the project and adjoining infrastructure.
Governor Fubara, who appeared visibly unsatisfied with what he saw on the stretch of the road, said his administration would not condone mediocrity or allow public funds to be wasted on underperforming projects. He, therefore, hinted that a review of the contract may be imminent to ensure the delivery of quality infrastructure to the people.
“I can say here already that the contractor handling the road from the bridge to the East–West Road is not doing a good job. I’m not happy about it. When I get back, there will be a need to review that contract because I’m not impressed. They don’t have the capacity, and we need capacity because we must have value for whatever money we’re spending,” the Governor said.
The Governor, however, commended Setraco Nigeria Limited for the standard and pace of work on the 240-meter Agba-Ndele/Abua Bridge, which forms a major component of the project. He explained that the bridge, which his administration inherited, would significantly improve connectivity among communities in the area once completed.
Governor Fubara stated that the bridge will serve as a key link between communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas, reducing travel time and providing an alternative route to the East–West Road.
He emphasised that the project demonstrates his administration’s commitment to rural connectivity and inter-community access, which are central to his development vision for Rivers State.
“Where we are standing on is a bridge connecting Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas. The community that is connected to this bridge is Agba-Ndele.
“Instead of running through the East–West Road to Ahoada-East and heading into Port Harcourt or out of it, this bridge provides easy access for the Abua/Odual people to cross into Emohua, Agba-Ndele, and access the East–West Road in minutes,” he explained.
Governor Fubara also expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use in early 2026, noting that Setraco’s expertise and performance met his administration’s expectations for quality and delivery timelines.
He highlighted that projects of such importance should be handled by firms with the capacity to meet government standards.
The Governor further remarked that once completed, the bridge would serve as a crucial economic corridor for farmers and traders, especially those involved in agriculture and cultivation of local produce across the beneficiary local government areas.
He maintained that his administration is determined to deliver people-oriented projects that promote connectivity, strengthen commerce, and enhance livelihoods across the State.
“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on the bridge. I’m very sure that before the end of January, it might be completely ready for us to walk through and even drive across,” Governor Fubara said.
Reaffirming his vision for Rivers people, the Governor noted that his development plan seeks to integrate all parts of the State through strategic infrastructure investments that promote mobility, social cohesion, and economic growth.
He explained that his government is executing projects across multiple local government areas to ensure balanced development and inclusivity.
Governor Fubara stated that the administration will soon address the deplorable state of the Abua/Ahoada Road, which he said, will be included in the 2026 state budget.
“Our vision is to connect the entire Rivers State together, especially communities that have challenges of access. The bridge here connects Abua/Odual and Ahoada-East to Emohua and Port Harcourt. It will ease movement, promote trade, and boost our economy because agriculture is strong on this side. Moving goods to the city won’t be a problem anymore,” he said.
Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that provides value for public funds and meets the aspirations of Rivers people.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.
Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.
“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.
“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.
So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.
Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.
Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.
“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”
Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.
He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.
“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.
The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.
He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.
“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.