Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has stated that patience and good planning by his administration backed by the unwavering support of Rivers people had placed Rivers State on the right development track, adding that he will not deviate from delivering democratic dividends in the state despite the challenges.
The Governor stated this while addressing leaders and stakeholders from Etche Ethnic Nationality, under the auspices of Ogbakor Etche Worldwide, comprising of Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas of the State who paid him a solidarity visit at Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Governor Fubara who thanked the people for the visit said he will not mortgage the interest of the State, or govern the State as an underdog, but count on the massive support of Etche people and the entire Rivers State who have kept faith with his administration, noting that his enemies will continue to be victims of their plots to derail democratic process in the State.
The governor emphasized that yielding to the vested interests of some self-serving elements would spell doom and disaster in the state, adding that he would continue to govern the state with the fear of God for the total liberation and freedom of the people.
“Let me first thank you for the show of love. I had a similar call on Monday when the Ogbakor Ikwerre came to show support for our government and to assure us that where we stand is where they stand, and today we’re witnessing another group. I want to assure you one thing, we’re not fighting anybody we appreciate what God is using people to do in our lives. We’re not going to rule this State on our knees, but standing, governing on our knees will be a disaster to our generation.”
“We want to assure you that we recognize all ethnic groups. We’re not here for any particular group, we’re here for Rivers State, our greatest support is not from my people.”
In expressing his commitment to good governance, Governor Fubara said he has started preparing the budget for the 2025 fiscal year, in which priority will be given to, education, healthcare, and agriculture-skedsked Rivers people to disregard detractors who are still gathering to rant on representing the 2024 budget as they are no longer in existence as lawmakers
“Don’t mind those people that are delusional. I wanted to help them but they refused to understand. They’re gone, and they’re gone. Like I said, these are people I paid their children’s school fees and house rents. I initially accepted to help them, because we are one family”
“As I am talking to you, I have started my budget for 2025 and my key areas are education, healthcaandaandd agriculture. We are going to do roads, but our children need quality schools, we also need healthcare services and when agriculture is revived it solves the issue of unemployment which helps in reducing crime.”
The governor who announced a cash donation of N50m for the running of the Ogbakor Etche Secretariat, urged the people to defend what they believe in, which are fairness and equity, assuring them that he will appoint a commissioner from Etche to be part of his cabinet, and expedite action on other requests, especially in providing healthcare and some of the critical roads in the area, stressing that his administration is already working on resolving the challenges of herdsmen and promised to tackle frontally the issue of land grabbing and environmental degradation as a result of dredging.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke had stated that the people of Etche Ethnic Nationality were on the solidarity visit as a mark of gratitude to Governor Fubara who God has used to liberate Etche and Rivers State.
Dr Nwaeke said Etche and Opobo have always enjoyed a cordial relationship from the past.
In his address, President General of Ogbakor Etche World Wide, Sir Charles Nwónuala, said they were delighted about Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s numerous achievements within a few months in office despite the distractions and further acknowledged his peaceful disposition which has translated into his tenacity for peace and development of Rivers State.
He assured of the Etche ethnic nation’s unalloyed, support, faith, confidence, and solidarity with the governor and his administration at all times, especially in helping him to take Rivers State to the next level of development.
The President General on behalf of the peoplthankedd the governor for the various appointments of EEtche’ssons and daughters into various positions of responsibility in his administration.
Sir Nwonuala presented several requests which included rehabilitation of schools, hospitals and restoration of Agricultural activities in the abandoned School to Land established in the area as well as intervention in the issue of herdsmen attacks on land grabbers menace, and environmental challenges caused by aging companies in the area as well as some key roads that require urgent attention.
In his remark, the Onyeishi Etche, HRM, Eze Opurum commended the Governor for his developmental strides in Rivers State and urged him to consider the reconstruction of some key road projects and educational facilities in the area
He also urged governors of the 36 states in the country to intervene in the political conflict in Rivers State and save the state from crisis.
