Former Rivers State Senator John Azuta Mbata has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, to refrain from attempting to control affairs in Rivers State from Abuja. Instead, he advised Wike to focus on fulfilling his responsibilities as minister, as assigned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
John Azuta-Mbata, who was elected as the Senator for the Rivers East Constituency at the beginning of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, emphasized to Wike that he cannot dominate Rivers State while there is an elected governor, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, in office.
“He is now a minister and doing well. All we pray is for him to continue on that path and to concentrate on his work in Abuja, allowing the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to execute his duties. We continue to support Governor Fubara’s administration, and we will remain steadfast in that commitment, as we understand that leadership comes in cycles. This is an opportunity for Governor Fubara to demonstrate his capability to advance Rivers State.”
Senator John Azuta Mbata also reflected on how he played a key role in installing Nyesom Ezenwo Wike as the chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government in 1998, despite significant challenges.
“We have been in this political landscape for a long time. In 1998, we established the government of Obio/Akpor Local Government with Chief Barr Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who is now our representative in Abuja.”
He praised Ambassador Chijioke Ihunwo, the Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government, for his vision, attitude, and effectiveness in governance.
“I want to commend the vision and actions of the chairman, Ambassador Chijioke Ihunwo. I have always said that any leader willing to take action should do so because every effort is a contribution to progress. If we don’t act, those same resources may be used elsewhere, perhaps for unproductive purposes.”
In his remarks, Ambassador Chijioke Ihunwo assured the people of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area that he would not disappoint them. He committed to working tirelessly to bring joy to the residents of Obio/Akpor.
“Under my leadership, Obio/Akpor is secure. I also want to express gratitude to Senator John Azuta Mbata for his unwavering support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Despite the challenges and the silence from some of your peers, I am grateful that you have stood firm, insisting on doing what is right. This shows that our people are committed and not traitors. I want to announce that we have embarked on building a new administration building, as the current one, erected in 2004, is no longer suitable for our needs.”
The one-story building, to be constructed by Everfield Construction Company, is expected to be commissioned in three months.
The General Manager of Everfield, Harry Enoch, assured that the project would be completed promptly, with a high standard of quality and aesthetics befitting the council.
Earlier, Mrs. Belema Bob-Manuel, the Director of Works in Obio/Akpor Local Government, remarked that the foundation-laying ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter for the administration under the Executive Chairman.
The ceremony took place at the council secretariat in Rumuodomaya and was attended by prominent traditional rulers such as the King of Rumuolumeni Community, Chukwuemaka Okocha, the Nye-well of Evo Kingdom, Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, His Royal Highness Eze Wali Ejike, and the Nye-well of Mgbuesilari, along with the state Commissioner for Power, Prince Solomon Abel Eke, his counterpart in Transport, Prince Collins Onunwo, youth and women’s groups, and other guests.
