Governor Fubara takes a stand against his opponents while showcasing his administration’s key achievements. Discover the highlights of his speech and the challenges he addresses in the political landscape.
Governor Siminarai Fubara of Rivers State has criticised opponents of his administration, saying their discontent stems from the successful and tough administration of the state and the important milestones achieved under his leadership.
Governor Fubara accused his critics of wanting to manage the state like a private property.
He, however, reiterated his administration’s determination to protect Rivers State as the common property of all its citizens.
The governor made the remarks during an inter-religious thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Port Harcourt, as part of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebrations.
Fubara’s comments follow recent remarks by the Minister of Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who mocked Fubara’s allies for choosing the All People’s Party (APP) ahead of the October 5 local government elections in the state.
Wike’s comments come in the wake of ongoing tensions within the Rivers chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has been marked by a power struggle between him and Hubara.
Speaking at a public reception organised by the Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress (RIPCO) on Saturday, Wike questioned how Rivers state came to see APP as a viable political party.
In a statement by the Governor’s Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Hubara sought to correct misinformation being circulated in some quarters.
He said the government had signed a 200 billion naira loan agreement with Zenith Bank to fund the construction of the 50.15km Port Harcourt Circular Road.
He also highlighted other important infrastructure projects such as the N225.1 billion Kalabari Trans-Israel Road, several general hospitals in Obio/Akpor local government areas and a psychiatric hospital.
Fubala stressed that these projects will be funded without external loans, underscoring his government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
“Please recall that it was Fubala who signed the documents to borrow 200 billion naira from Zenith Bank for the construction of the Port Harcourt Circular Road. So, this is my project.”
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“It was Fubala who approved the Kalabari Trans-Israel Road even if it could not be built. They only built one bridge, Kurakurama, and I am doing it. It will cost 225 billion naira to build the whole bridge. I have not borrowed anything.
“It is the same Fubara that is building a general hospital, and I have included a psychiatric hospital because we will need it soon. So tell them what I did in one year, they did in eight years.
“It is only the empty containers that make noise. If God has given you the opportunity, eat plantains and be quiet. “God will continue to give us the strength to do our best for our people without fear.”
Governor Fubara warned his critics, saying those who mock God’s grace in his life will continue to fight for meaningless public recognition. It only highlights their own fall from grace.
He further stated that his government relies on substance over spectacle.
Fubara assured that his administration would not hold a ceremonial ground-breaking ceremony without consistent implementation, promising that all projects initiated under his leadership would be completed and fully utilized for the public good.
He said: It is not about building roads for business interests. I have no business interests. Whatever I do, it is for the people of Rivers State.
“We will not take decisions that are indefensible. We will not be involved in anything that brings any disgrace to our beloved state. This state is important to us. He is all we have.
“He is a beautiful pride. That is why they are struggling so much, along with the internal revenue improvements that we have achieved. That is why they are struggling so much, and we know it.” But do it humbly. “You don’t have to destroy the house.
He further added, “The look of discontent that you see on their faces today shows where we have come. So be strong, all the Babylonians we see today will never be seen again.
“God has a reason for allowing demons and evil to remain for so long. It is not that God cannot take the person away, but He gives them time to repent.
“And if they carry on, God will come hard, and they will say they wished they had left while there was still time. That’s the story here.
“But when someone clamors for recognition, that’s a sign that they’re no longer recognized. By God’s special grace, there’s no need for an explanation. I have a name, and it’s me who stands here.”
