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Amidst Attempts To Starve Us Of Funds, We’re Still Providing Services, Projects -Fubara

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that no matter how hard detractors tried to starve the State of funds, his administration has continued to provide social services and infrastructure projects to the people.
Governor Fubara spoke when he inaugurated the reconstructed 11.8 kilometres Okehi-Umuola-Eberi Link Road, along Okehi-Omuma Road, in Etche Local Government Area last Wednesday.
The Governor stated that the 14 days that have been set aside in December 2024 will be used to showcase the landmark projects undertaken by his administration to prove that it has remained focused.
These set of projects, he said, are definitely going to transform the socio-economic status of communities in the benefitting Local Government Areas in the State.
The Governor said, his determination remains to make the people happy with the mantra of “Rivers First”, which is why he will not politicise projects’ delivery.
He said, “But, today, we are starting to showcase what we have done in those months when people were asking what are we doing? Where is the fund?
“I am happy to say here, I stand to be challenged, this administration has not borrowed to execute projects. The only money we borrowed was the one we used for the Ring Road project, and everybody is aware of it.
“Go and bring any paper. Go to Debt Management Office and check if we have asked for anything. We don’t need it. What is important is the little we are getting, we are applying it rightly.”
Governor Fubara asserted that everybody is also aware that his administration has paid the N85,000 new minimum wage he promised Rivers civil servants, which is more than the N70,000 national minimum wage.
This, he said, further affirms the commitment and love of his administration to Rivers people, who have continued to stand by his government with unalloyed support.
Governor Fubara, however, acknowledged how tough it has been amidst the political crisis, to provide the climate of peace and security to Rivers people, which has been achieved on a continuous basis.
He said, “Even when we are struggling to meet the basic needs of government, which is protecting the lives of the people, their property and providing services; even when they are working to make sure that we can’t provide services, that we have to stave, we are determined to make sure that our people are happy.
“And we said, whatever it will cost us, we must make sure that we did this. So, I am happy the contractor didn’t disappoint us. I am also happy that the communities, both in Etche and Omuma, gave us the needed support.”
Commenting on the project, Governor Fubara said the Okehi-Umuola-Eberi Link Road is a major access route, and cannot be left in deplorable condition, adding that the Umuakali-Eberi-Omodu Road on the other end has already been earmarked for commissioning.
He noted, “We were here about five months ago when we came to inspect the extent of job that was ongoing in Omuma.
“I stand to be challenged, Omuma for more than eight years had not witnessed any project. It was in our administration that we awarded Umuakali-Eberi road.
“The road was almost completed when we came. So, we said, how can we be going to commission a project and the access road is bad?
“So, I said we must, no matter what it will cost us, ensure that the access road to Omuma is properly fixed so that when we are going to Omuma to commission that project, it will be an easy and smooth drive.”
Governor Fubara also said: “We want to assure you, we will not let you down. Continue to believe in one Rivers State, believe in Rivers First.
“The users of this road, the Chairman said something here: please, the security agencies and others, should ensure that they try as much as they can, to provide adequate security here, which is also very important.
“It is not just we building the road, but the security for the road should be there, at least, to save the lives of the commuters.”
Governor Fubara, while thanking everyone, especially his supporters, assured that provision of democratic dividends that they are seeing is just the beginning.
The Governor agreed that the General Hospital in the area needed urgent attention, and promised to complete the ongoing reconstruction work on the Zonal Hospital in the area.
He explained, “We are not those people who believe in and do flag-off only. If we have to do flag-off, we must tell you the significance of that project. There are a few of them that we are going to flag-off, and when we get to that flag-off, I will tell you the story behind it.
“Somebody mentioned here: when we came onboard, there is some part of the road connecting Imo State. But because the road had a few meters to an opposition politician residence, the project was terminated in front of the man’s gate for so many years, and the people suffered.
“It doesn’t matter where the person comes from or who is to benefit. I am the Governor of Rivers State. So, I owe everyone the responsibility of caring, providing and protecting them.”
Providing the project description, the State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, said five months ago, before commencement of reconstruction work, the road was deplorable and a nightmare to commuters.
He said, “The road is 7.3 metres wide and the design specifications are 150 millimeters of stone base, 50 millimeters of binder course, and 50 millimeters of wearing course. At some point of the road, we also did cement stabilization, because of some few wet areas.”
He explained that within specified time, the project was completed and has ended the nightmarish experience while providing the people pleasurable ride on the 11.8km road, measuring 7.3meter wide, with 8.5km of drains.
In his speech, Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Uzodinma Nwafor, described Governor Fubara as the deliverer of Rivers State from the coven of darkness, adding that he has given the people liberty and made Etche people feel positive impact of his administration.
Nwafor thanked Governor Fubara for starting the reconstruction work, completing and eventually inaugurating the 11.8 kilometres Okehi-Umuola-Eberi Link Road, in addition to completing the Umuohie-Igbodo axis of the Etche-Igbodo Road, among other projects executed in the area.
Representative of contracting firm, Foretex Construction Company Limited, Nabeel Aljarmakani, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for entrusting them with the project.
Aljarmakani noted the project as an integral part of the transformation agenda of Governor Fubara geared towards making the experience of motorists and commuters comfortable.

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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

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The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

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The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

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A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

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