Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday fired back at critics of his administration, accusing them of being frustrated by the strides his government has made in running the state.
He declared that those antagonising him are only upset because his administration has achieved in one year what took others eight years to accomplish.
Fubara’s remarks followed comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who at a Saturday reception mocked the governor and his allies for allegedly turning to the opposition.
Wike had boasted about his political prowess, stating that he would teach Fubara the art of politics.
Wike’s comments were further supported by Executive Director of Finance at the Niger Delta Development Commission, Boma Iyaye, who apologised to the minister for what he described as Fubara’s misdeeds.
However, Fubara was quick to dismiss these remarks, accusing his detractors of attempting to seize the state as their personal property.
He made his stance known during a thanksgiving service marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Port Harcourt, where he insisted that Rivers State belongs to all its people, not to a select few.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chikwudi, the governor addressed various issues, including the financing of key infrastructure projects.
Fubara pointed out that his administration had secured a N200 billion loan from Zenith Bank to fund the construction of the 50.15k. dual carriageway Port Harcourt Ring Road, a project initiated under his leadership.
“It’s Fubara who signed the loan papers for the Port Harcourt Ring Road. This is my project,” he asserted.
He also highlighted his administration’s role in constructing the long-delayed Trans-Kalabari Road, a project costing N225.1bn.
According to him, previous administrations only managed to build a bridge, but his government is delivering the full road without borrowing.
The governor, in a jab at his critics, stated, “I’m also building a General Hospital and a Psychiatric Hospital because they’ll need it soon. What I achieved in one year is what they couldn’t do in eight.”
The governor further criticised his opponents, describing them as “empty vessels that make the most noise.”
He urged them to be content with their achievements and stop seeking undue attention.
“If God has blessed you, eat your plantain and be quiet,” Fubara said.
Addressing the political landscape, Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to the People’s Democratic Party and dismissed speculations that he was distancing himself from the party.
He also assured the public that despite ongoing political wrangling, his administration is focused on delivering tangible results for the people of Rivers State.
“We don’t do projects for show. Everything we start will be completed and put to public use. This is about service to the people, not private business interests,” he said.
Fubara also addressed the issue of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism, which he described as a major challenge for the state and the nation.
He called on traditional rulers and community leaders to step up efforts to curb these activities in their domains, stressing that such economic sabotage was detrimental to the country’s revenue.
He revealed plans to set up a special committee to tackle the problem, noting, “Nigeria needs money now, and the only way we can get out of this situation is by increasing oil production. We must all come together to protect our national treasures.”
Dennis Naku @ Punch
