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Projects, Service Delivery Won’t Be Politicised, Fubara Assures
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the delivery of development projects and social services by his administration will not be politicised because they are geared towards solving pertinent needs faced by the people of the State.
The Governor explained that while every human and societal challenges cannot be solved in one swoop, every promise made would be fulfilled within available resources and delivered on schedule.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the official inauguration of the dualised Omoku-Egbema Road project, which took place at De Masters Hotel Junction, Obrikom Road, Omoku Town in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) on Saturday.
Governor Fubara said, “When the project was added to the list of projects to mark our one year in office, there was a challenge, but the contractor assured of delivering it, which is a reality today.
“What are we doing today? We are here to tell our people that they are the most important thing to us. We are here to assure you that every part of this State will have positive impact of our administration.
“We can make bold to say that today, a project that was impossible in the past was made possible by this administration.”
Governor Fubara further said: “If within this short period, we could deliver this to our people who were yearning for this road, crying and complaining, it is a sign that this Government has the interest of the people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area at heart.
“So, I want to assure you: don’t let anybody deceive you anywhere. This is the right boat to join. The captain of this boat, his own mantra is ‘The People First’. So, I assure you, with your support, the sky is our beginning.”
Governor Fubara said it would be improper for him not to appreciate the people of ONELGA because the campaigns leading his election kick-started in the area where their support was solicited.
The Governor noted that they lived up to that commitment of giving electoral support, giving the required votes that had enabled his team to be where they are today in Government.
Governor Fubara granted some requests made to him by their spokesperson concerning roads and healthcare facilities in the area.
The Governor said: “Here and now, we are mandating the Ministry of Works to ensure that the remaining part of this road project leading to the boundary with Imo State should be completed (Okwuizi boundary to Abacheke).
“We are also assuring you that the health centre matter, more especially the zonal hospital: we are going to complete it. The contractor will move to site in the next one week.
“So, let me use this opportunity, on behalf of the Government and the good people of our dear State, to say thank you for supporting us before, during and also after the election,” he said.
Governor Fubara emphasised: “Let me assure you that whatever we say, we will leave up to it. We will not make promises that we will not keep.
“We will make promises after checking our resources. We will make promises that are within our capacity to deliver, and delivering it in good time.”
Governor Fubara explained the special reason for inviting former Governor of the State, Dr Peter Odili, to perform the inauguration, saying: “This is not politics. This is giving back to our people. So, I want somebody who understands the need of our people, and what we are doing to come and speak to our people.
“I want somebody who has the direct interest of this LGA at heart to come and speak to his people, so that we will understand that when we are in position, what is important is not self, what is important is the people.”
Performing the project inauguration, former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili, noted that Governor Fubara has taken full control of governance in Rivers State, and rightly focusing on the people in line with his chosen mantra: ‘People First’.
Dr Odili while thanking Governor Fubara for the project delivered in the area, urged him to remain focused on the people, giving succour to the less-privileged and hope to those who do not have anyone to help them go through life’s challenges.
“I can tell our people that the next election is very far, but what the Governor has done so far, is enough to secure the support of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area going forward.
“Thank you, Your Excellency, because the greatest assets of the State remain the people, not oil and gas. The people remain the greatest assets.
“So, once your focus remains with the people, especially the less-privileged, the poor, those who are struggling to feed every day. Once they remain your focus, I want to agree with you that the sky would become the takeoff point of your administration,” the former Governor said.
Dr Odili assured that the entire people of Rivers are behind Governor Fubara, “rallying support for him because they trust him, believing in what he says and convinced that he means whatever he says”.
Providing the description of the road, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Engr Atemea Briggs, said the road project indicated how Governor Fubara has consistently prioritised the needs of the people and solving critical problems.
Engr Briggs said: “The 21.6Km dual carriageway project was awarded to Sectraco Nigeria Limited on April 28, 2023, by the previous administration at the sum of N7.597billion but without funding. It has 7.3meters carriageway on both sides and 8.2Km length of drains.
“Before the award of this contract, this road had been abandoned for many years. The current administration led by our hardworking Governor Siminalayi Fubara approached the project with great determination and passion, and as a result, mobilisation was paid to the contractor and the contractor started work in July, 2023.
“The scope of the project changed and due to the prevailing inflation rate, an additional N5.47billion was added to the contract, bringing the total value of the contract to N13.07billion.
“It is pleasing to announce that the full amount has been paid to the contractor, who has also completed the work within the timeframe,” he added.
In his welcome address, High Chief Shedrack Akalokwu, noted that though Governor Fubara is soft spoken, his leadership is action-packed, with successes that far outweigh public expectations of his administration.
He said, “We are grateful that in the short period of less than one year in office, Your Excellency is here today to superintend over the commissioning of the Omoku-Egbema Dual Carriageway in our local government area.
“The Erema junction-Akabuka- Ogbogu-Obite-Ede-Okposi dual carriageway speedily being executed by the construction giant, Julius Berger, is very refreshing. The news of the award of 33.5Km Elele-Omudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku dual carriageway has been received with gladsome mind.
“That project is magic infrastructural access that would gladden the hearts of our people as there would be drastic reduction of time and distance from our local government to the state capital.
“All our people are in one accord in conveying our support, solidarity, gratitude and total loyalty to this Government of which we are an integral part,” he added.
On his part, the Area Manager of Sectraco Nigeria Limited, Engr Michael Issa, explained that the contract was awarded and first payment made to the company in July, 2023, adding that they mobilized to site immediately, delivering the project alongside the additional scope of work, on schedule.
Engr Issa said, like other road projects delivered in good quality and still enduring, this project has been delivered in best quality, stressing that the firm feels delighted to be part of the success story of Governor Fubara, who, according to him, “is establishing a footprint in the development trajectory in the state”.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged newly sworn-in chairman and members of the State House of Assembly Service Commission to achieve greater productivity, promote highest standard and insist on best practices in the discharge of Legislative services.
Governor Fubara also urged them to ensure that parliamentary staff are put through disciplinary conducts in the discharge of their duties in the service.
Governor Fubara gave the charge shortly after the chairman and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) Service Commission were sworn-in at the Executive Chamber of Government House in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
The Governor also sworn-in the chairman and members of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission.
Hon Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, is the chairman of RSHA, with Dr Kennedy Ebeku, Hon. Soberekon Clark, Hon. Jones Ogbonda, and Hon Kingston Sylvanus as members.
For the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, Hon GoodLife Ben will serve as the chairman, with Chief Emmanuel G. Jaja, Ms. Betty Warmate, Barrister Jerome Chimenem, Hon Prince O. Ohochukwu, Barrister Philip Okparaji, and Christian Amadi as members.
Governor Fubara explained that the constitution and swearing-in of the respective commissions were delayed with the hope that all former members of the political block will come back together but quickly added that such expectation is dashed now as governance has to move on.
He said: “As it stands now, our position is very clear. The ship that we are onboard is clear, and the activities of governance have to continue.
“So, this swearing-in is to give these two units of government – particularly, the House of Assembly Service Commission, a formal commission so that you can start carrying out the activities of promotion, discipline and every other thing that has to do with the legislative staff activity.”
Governor Fubara emphasised: “This assignment is not business as usual. You have to take full charge, and you have to ensure that there is discipline in the service.”
Speaking on the Local Government Service Commission, Governor Fubara said an acting Chairman was previously appointed to hold brief while the situation was being studied but quickly added that as it stands now, a full fledged commission has to be constituted to steer affairs.
Governor Fubara stated that the various Local Government Councils have been mandated to commence payment of the N85,000.00 Minimum Wage to their workers.
However, Governor Fubara said that mandate had met with series of complaints about ghost workers or inflated payroll staff list, which required proper scrutiny in order to ensure that only genuine workers benefit.
He said, “You must ensure that you support the Local Government Chairmen to get rid of those fake names in the payroll, so that when they implement the N85,000.00 Minimum Wage, it will not be too much burden on them.
“I am not saying you should go and dismiss people who are genuinely employed. Hear me very well: there must be proper scrutiny to be sure that whoever is there must be a genuine civil servant employed by the commission, and must have met all the conditions.”
Governor Fubara also directed the commission to address the issue of staff stagnation on a particular grade level, which is an ugly practice, and make sure those due promotion truly benefit from statutory progression in the service.
He said, “The second side is, you have the issue of promotion, you must also ensure that they are adequately promoted so that they can start enjoying like their counterparts in the mainstream.
“There is too much dragging of their promotion, for somebody to be on Grade Level 4 for over 30 years is not good. It is not good news.”
Governor Fubara maintained: “I believe strongly that you will not allow yourselves to be corrupted like those stories that we used to hear. Make sure that there is acceptable level of discipline and standard in the Local Government Service Commission.
“I also believe strongly that you are already prepared for this assignment, and since you are prepared, I will charge you to go do what you know how to do best. Be assured that the government will give you all the necessary support.”
Governor Fubara noted that the task before them could seem Herculean but they should be assured of support from his administration to drive the assignment given to them to reckonable success.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the open dumping of wastes has to be replaced with a more innovative and efficient disposal method so that wastes can be taken off the streets and turned into income-yielding ventures.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while giving charge to the newly constituted Board of Directors of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) and its Managing Director at Government House in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
The Board members included Engr. Edward Namiesimagh as the chairman, while Hon. Bishop Best, Dr. Ipalibo Sogules, Richard Mazi, and Civian Y. Nwibari are members, with Hon. Orukwem Amadi-Oparaeli as the Managing Director.
Governor Fubara said waste disposal and management have remained a major global concern, adding that over the years, successive administrations in the State had struggled to take wastes off the streets but ended up taking them to other dumpsites where they constitute nuisance and environmental hazards.
He said, “Today, I am here putting a team together to look at these challenges differently. Let it not be the regular pattern whereby at the end of the month, you come to collect money from me for payments.
“Don’t indulge in appointing your friends as sweepers, evaluators of debris, then you start building hotels, or buying big cars. Let us go beyond that and tap into the potentials of waste management.
“It is an area in this world that there is so much money in. It is an area that creates employment, and generates huge revenue. It is not just depending on what I will give to you. Consider what change you’ll bring to the work, that’s what I want to see in Rivers State.”
Governor Fubara told them that they were carefully selected because of the experiences they had garnered in their previous public assignments, and urged them to replicate their successes on a bigger scale with the new appointment.
The Governor advised them to work assiduously to bring back the beauty of Port Harcourt with effective waste disposal drive, and ensure the city is clean and green to reflect its old Garden City status.
Governor Fubara emphasised: “If not for our effort, today, some people could have even changed it to become Garbage City. But God forbid, it is not going to be in our own time.
“I want you to understand that I feel very unhappy with the sight I see. When you are driving into Port Harcourt, one of the first things that will welcome you is the waste dump that you see along the Obiri-Ikwerre-Airport Road. I don’t feel happy about it.
“Your first task should be to relocate it. That particular place needs to be completely closed because it is the entrance to the city. You need to get a new place where we can relocate our wastes.”
Governor Fubara urged them to be more responsible as they discharge their assignment, saying that it is more important to see results than being merely preoccupied with the aura of office.
The Governor warned that he will not hesitate to relieve anyone found wanting, and return the agency back to the era of a sole administrator running the affairs of the agency.
He noted, “This team cuts across all the Senatorial Districts, so that whatever you are going to do there, you ensure it spreads. While you are also carrying out this job, let it be known to the world that the interest of everybody in the State is accommodated.
“It shouldn’t be one-sided. Make sure that all our supporters who have the capacity and competence to do little jobs in the refuse area are also accommodated. I am serious. I have no doubt that you are going to impress us. So, I charge you to do all you can to make sure that the face of Port Harcourt changes when it comes to the issue of refuse.”
Governor Fubara told them to be good ambassadors of his administration as they interface with members of the public while also changing the face of refuse management in the State.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman of Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Engr. Edward Namiesimagh, expressed appreciation to the Governor, on behalf of members of the Board, for finding them worthy to handle such difficult but surmountable task of keeping Port Harcourt clean.
He said, “When I see the calibre of people you assembled, all of us are happy, and I assure that with our period of experience in our fields and politics and interaction with people and the zeal that comes with this job, we assure you that we will do our best to make sure that the policy of restoring Port Harcourt to its lost glory is achieved with your support.”
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Saturday, graced the solemnization of Sacrament of Matrimony between Engr Victor Kii, and his heartthrob, Engr Mercy Mankwe.
Engr Kii is the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture.
The wedding ceremony was held at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Chaplaincy, Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), along the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway, Rumuibekwe in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
In his Homily, the Chief Celebrant, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Most Rev Matthew Hassan Kukah, said marriage is an enduring union, ordained by God for two persons – man and woman – who have decided in love to live their lives together.
Bishop Kukah stated that people in such Christian marriage should know that they are in an indissoluble union, bounded by faith, and advised them to gladly make personal sacrifices in tolerance and care for each other so that they can have a healthy, successful and rewarding life together.
In his vote of thanks, co-celebrant, Very Rev Monsignor Pius Kii, showered commendations on the Governor for his fatherly support to the family, and the numerous landmark achievements in various sectors across the State.
The clergy and the church took the opportunity to pray for the success and good health of Governor Fubara and his administration, and urged God to protect, guide and defend him at all times.
The church also presented 50th birthday cake and gifts to the Governor, and also sang birthday songs to accentuate the celebration.
Highlights of the event were the signing of the marriage register by the new couple, Victor and Mercy, and the cutting of the 50th Birthday cake by the Governor.