THE Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara has dismissed the actions of individuals seeking societal recognition as trivial and unworthy of respect. He stated that those who overly seek public acknowledgment have “lost it,” emphasizing that, by the grace of God, he does not require such introductions.
The governor made these comments during an inter-denominational church thanksgiving service held at St. Paul’s Cathedral of the Anglican Communion in Port Harcourt, as part of the celebrations for Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day.
He noted that those opposing his administration have shown frustration at the solid management of state affairs and the milestones that have been achieved. He accused these individuals of attempting to seize control of Rivers State as if it were their personal property, asserting that his administration has already secured it for all Rivers people.
Governor Fubara further stated, “The frustration you see on their faces today stems from the progress we have made. So, please, remain steadfast. All the Babylonians we see today will not be around for long.
“God allows the devil or evil to linger for a reason. It’s not that He can’t remove them, but He gives them time to repent. When they persist, He will act decisively, and they will regret not leaving when they had the chance. That will be our story in this State.
“Anyone seeking recognition through noise is showing signs of losing their way. By God’s special grace, I don’t need an introduction. I have the name, and I stand here as I am.”
The governor aimed to clarify misconceptions circulating in some circles, stating that he signed a N200 billion loan agreement with Zenith Bank to fund the construction of the 50.15-kilometer dual carriage Port Harcourt Ring Road, a project initiated by his administration.
He also announced that his administration is moving forward with the actual Trans-Kalabari Road project, valued at N225.1 billion, as well as the construction of general hospitals and a psychiatric hospital in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, all funded without additional borrowing.
He asserted, “They claim they don’t know what we’re doing. Let me remind them, it was Fubara who signed the loan agreement with Zenith Bank for the N200 billion Port Harcourt Ring Road project. This is my project.
“I am the one overseeing the Trans-Kalabari Road, which they failed to complete. They only built a bridge from Krakrama, but I am constructing the entire road for N225 billion, without borrowing.
“I’m also building a General Hospital, which will include a Psychiatric Hospital because it will be needed soon. So, let them know that what I have accomplished in one year surpasses what they achieved in eight years.
“It is only an empty vessel that makes noise. If God has given you an opportunity, enjoy it quietly. God will continue to provide us with the strength to serve our people without fear.”
Governor Fubara insisted that if those individuals continue to belittle the grace of God in his life, they will remain in their struggle for unnecessary public recognition, revealing their own fall from grace.
He explained that his policy in office is not to engage in mere ceremonial groundbreaking for projects, but he assured that any initiative started will be completed and made available for public use.
Governor Fubara concluded, “Soon, you will see our progress. This is not about pursuing roads for personal gain. I have no business interests; everything I do is for the people of Rivers State.
“We will not make decisions we cannot justify. We will not engage in anything that could bring disgrace to our beloved State. This State is our greatest asset and pride. That is why they are struggling, especially with the improvements in our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). But we must act with humility; there’s no need to destroy what we have built.”