Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has criticised those opposing his administration, stating that their frustration stems from the successful and firm management of the state’s affairs and the significant milestones achieved under his leadership
The governor made these remarks during an interdenominational thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Port Harcourt, held as part of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebrations.
The Governor accused his detractors of attempting to control the state as though it were their personal estate.
However, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding Rivers State as a collective asset for all its people.
Fubara’s comments come after recent statements by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who mocked Fubara’s allies for choosing the All Peoples Party, APP, ahead of the October 5 local government elections in the state.
Wike’s remarks followed ongoing tensions within the Rivers chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, marked by a power struggle between himself and Fubara.
At a civic reception organised by the Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress, RIPCO, on Saturday, Wike questioned how Rivers State had come to the point of considering APP as a viable political party.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara sought to clarify misinformation circulating in some quarters.
He explained that his administration had signed a N200 billion loan agreement with Zenith Bank to fund the construction of the 50.15-kilometre Port Harcourt Ring Road.
He also highlighted other key infrastructure projects, including the N225.1 billion Trans-Kalabari Road, several general hospitals, and a psychiatric hospital in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Fubara emphasised that these projects are being funded without external borrowing, underscoring his administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Fubara said: “They even say they don’t know what we are doing. Let me remind them, it is Fubara that signed the paper to borrow from Zenith Bank the N200 billion for the construction of the Port Harcourt Ring Road. So, it is my project.
“It is Fubara that awarded the Trans-Kalabari Road that they couldn’t do. They did only a bridge from Krakrama, but I am the one doing it: the complete span, and it is N225 billion. I didn’t borrow.
“It is this same Fubara that is building a general hospital, in which I also included a psychiatric hospital because they will need it very soon. So, tell them that what I did in one year is what they did in eight years.
“It is only empty containers that make noise. If God has given you opportunity, eat your plantain and keep quiet. God will continue to give us the strength to do the best for our people, without fear.”
Governor Fubara cautioned his detractors, stating that those who mock the grace of God in his life will continue to struggle for irrelevant public recognition, which only highlights their own fall from grace.
He further explained that his administration’s approach is focused on substance over spectacle.
Fubara assured that his government does not engage in ceremonial project groundbreakings without follow-through, pledging that any project initiated under his leadership will be completed and fully utilised for the benefit of the public.
He said: “Very soon, you will see what we are doing. It is not about doing roads to your business interests. I don’t have any business interests. Whatever I am doing, I am doing it for the people of Rivers State.
“We will not take any decision that we cannot defend. We won’t be part of anything that will bring any form of disgrace to our dear state. This state is important to us. It is the only thing that we have.
“It is the beautiful pride. That is why they are struggling, coupled with the improvement in internally generated revenue we have done. That is why they are struggling, we know. But do it with modesty; you don’t need to destroy the house.”
He added: “The frustration you are seeing in their faces today is about this point we have gotten to. So, please, be strong. All the Babylonians that we are seeing today, you will not see them again.
“God has a reason for allowing the devil or the evil one to stay long. It is not that He can’t take him or take them away but He gives them time to repent.
“And when they continue, He will come heavily, and then, they would say, it would have been better that they had left when they had time. That will be our story in this state.
“But, you see, anybody that is making noise for recognition, it is a sign that he has lost it. By the special grace of God, I don’t need introduction. I have the name, and I am the one standing here.”
