Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming the state, emphasizing that his leadership is divinely ordained to foster lasting development and empowerment for the people. Despite facing harsh media criticism from some political opponents, the Governor remains resolute in his vision for the state's progress.
Speaking on Wednesday at the inauguration of the 3.05km Kala-Ibiama section of the Kala-Ibiama-Epellema Road and Bridge in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Governor Fubara expressed dismay at the ongoing media campaign orchestrated by individuals with vested interests, seeking to undermine his administration. He warned that such attacks are not only harmful to his leadership but are detrimental to the reputation of the entire state.
"In the face of all the progress we are making, some individuals are waging a dangerous media war against Rivers State," Governor Fubara said. "These people are not only attacking me; they are demarketing the state, and this affects everyone. Rivers belongs to all of us, and we must all work towards its growth, not its destruction."
The Governor noted that previous administrations faced similar challenges but pointed out that the current attacks have taken a more malicious form. He called on Rivers' political leaders to set aside personal grievances and focus on the collective welfare of the state, emphasizing that the true leaders of the state are those who lead with care and vision, not those who are driven by selfish interests.
Governor Fubara also addressed the issue of regional development, acknowledging the importance of connecting both Opobo and Nkoro regions through infrastructure projects. He assured the people of Nkoro that they would also benefit from similar developments, reinforcing his commitment to equitable growth across the local government.
“Rivers State is one, and as we develop Opobo, we will equally develop Nkoro. We are not forgetting Nkoro; a special project will soon commence there, and I will personally be there to commission it before the middle of next year,” he said.
During the event, Governor Fubara dedicated the completed Kala-Ibiama road section to three prominent figures who had supported his political journey but had sadly passed away before seeing the fruits of their labor. These were former members of the Opobo/Nkoro State Constituency, Adonye Kelly Diri, Dagogo Eli Legg-Jack, and Senibo Daniel Legg-Jack. The Governor expressed his deep gratitude for their contributions to the cause of leadership in Rivers State.
The road, which was built by Monier Construction Company (MCC), addresses longstanding challenges faced by the people of Kala-Ibiama and Epellema communities. The road now provides better access and enhanced economic opportunities, particularly during the rainy season when access was previously difficult.
Senator Adawari Michael Pepple, the former Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, who was present at the inauguration, praised Governor Fubara for his dedication to infrastructure development in Rivers State. He highlighted the critical role the Kala-Ibiama road would play in boosting business activities in the area, noting that it would lead to increased land value and new opportunities for local communities. However, he also cautioned against land grabbing in the area, urging the community to protect their land from unscrupulous individuals.
"The development in Opobo, especially in Kala-Ibiama, is a testament to the Governor’s commitment to building critical infrastructure across the state," Senator Pepple remarked. "Governor Fubara has achieved more infrastructure development than any previous administration, including the highest number of road projects ever completed in Rivers State."
Rivers State Commissioner for Special Projects, Dr. Rowland Obed-Whyte, assured attendees that the Kala-Ibiama road was constructed to last, underscoring its long-term benefits for the region.
In his speech, the Executive Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam, expressed the people’s gratitude for the road, noting that it had transformed the landscape of the area. He highlighted the improvement in security, transportation, and socio-economic activities, and promised continued support for Governor Fubara’s administration.
The General Manager of Monier Construction Company, Mr. Omako Oko, also spoke at the event, expressing the company's pride in completing the road project to the highest standards.
Governor Fubara’s administration continues to prioritize infrastructure development as a key pillar of its governance, and the successful completion of the Kala-Ibiama road marks a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing transformation.
