By Kolawole Ojebisi
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has opened up why he is undertaking developmental projects in Obio/Akpor Local government area regardless of the political differences between him and the immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike who hails from Obio/Akpor.
Fubara urged politicians to place the broader development needs of the people over and above the narrow, private interest of satisfying their supporters and allies
Fubara made this call during the inauguration of Okocha Road and Spurs in Rumuolumeni Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, on Tuesday.
In his address, the governor emphasized that politics should not only be about securing the support of followers but also about addressing the genuine needs of the people.
He stated, “Politics is not just about who is with you or who is against you. It is equally about meeting the needs of the citizens.
“If I were an evil person, I would have avoided this place considering its location and conditions, but it is our duty in government to provide services, protect lives and property. It’s not about me; it’s about the government’s responsibility to put smiles on the faces of our people.”
Providing context for the project, Fubara noted that after the Presidential Election in 2023, there was a pressing need to alleviate anxieties among supporters in the area to secure favourable votes for his governorship bid.
He explained, “We had to do everything to ensure a comfortable environment for our election. The people of this community, mainly non-indigenes with a significant voting strength, supported us and saw reasons to back our cause.
“What I am doing here today is a simple ‘thank you’ for believing in us, for standing by us.”
The governor assured that his administration would address other requests made on behalf of the community, including rehabilitating other dilapidated streets to make them motorable.
He also directed the Commissioner for Education to immediately inspect the Community Secondary School in the area and take necessary steps towards its reconstruction to accommodate more students.
Addressing the people’s concerns, Governor Fubara noted that the residents of Obio/Akpor will soon witness the inauguration of the critical Okania/Ogbogoro Road project, with immediate plans underway for the completion of the first General Hospital in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and a modern Psychiatric Hospital.
“Our projects are not just about roads but about enhancing the quality of life for our people,” he added.
Speaking at the event, former lawmaker representing Rivers East Senatorial District, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, who performed the inauguration, lauded Governor Fubara’s leadership, describing him as the king in the hearts of Rivers people.
“Despite the vicissitudes of the state’s politics, you have remained committed to your duties, implementing projects without being distracted by legal or political challenges. Your leadership is a testament to your dedication to the welfare and security of our people,” Azuta-Mbata said.
Providing a technical description of the project, Commissioner for Works, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, highlighted that the 1.55km Okocha Road and its 405-meter spurs feature a 7-meter-wide carriageway with 2.7km of drains, strategically linking Nkpor and Aker Roads, which leads to the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road construction.
