Former Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, has commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for taking full control of governance in the state and prioritizing the welfare of its people. Dr. Odili made these remarks on Saturday while inaugurating the dualised Omoku-Egbema Road project in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA).
Expressing gratitude for the newly completed road project, Dr. Odili urged Governor Fubara to continue focusing on the needs of the less privileged and those without support. He emphasized that the Governor’s actions have already secured the support of the local community well ahead of the next election.
“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,” Dr. Odili stated. “Once your focus remains with the people, especially the less privileged, the poor, those who are struggling to feed every day, the sky would become the takeoff point of your administration.”
Dr. Odili assured that the people of Rivers are firmly behind Governor Fubara, trusting in his leadership and believing in his commitments.
In response, Governor Fubara reiterated his commitment to delivering development projects and social services without political bias. He emphasized that while not all challenges can be resolved immediately, every promise made will be fulfilled within available resources and delivered on schedule.
“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,” Governor Fubara said. “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 a positive impact from our administration.”
Governor Fubara highlighted the significance of the Omoku-Egbema Road project, noting that its completion within a short period is a testament to his administration’s dedication to the people of ONELGA.
“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.’ With your support, the sky is our beginning,” he affirmed.
The Governor also expressed gratitude to the people of ONELGA for their electoral support, which was crucial in his election victory. He explained the rationale behind inviting Dr. Odili to inaugurate the project, emphasizing the importance of having leaders who understand and prioritize the needs of the people.
“This is not politics. This is giving back to our people. I wanted someone who understands the needs of our people to come and speak to them,” Governor Fubara said.
Providing details about the road project, Engr. Atemea Briggs, Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Works, described it as a 21.6km dual carriageway awarded to Sectraco Nigeria Limited. Initially contracted at N7.597 billion, the project’s scope expanded due to inflation, raising the total cost to N13.07 billion.
“The current administration, led by our hardworking Governor Siminalayi Fubara, approached the project with great determination and passion. Mobilization was paid to the contractor, who started work in July 2023,” Engr. Briggs explained.
The Omoku-Egbema Road project exemplifies the Fubara administration’s commitment to infrastructural development and improving the lives of Rivers State residents.