Fubara to Showcase Key Projects in December Amid Political Strife and Economic Challenges

The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced that 14 days in December 2024 will be used to showcase significant projects completed by his administration.

Fubara announced this on Wednesday during the inauguration of the reconstructed 11.8-kilometre Okehi-Umuola-Eberi Link Road along the Okehi-Omuma Road in the Etche Local Government Area.

Fubara, who highlighted his administration’s resilience in overcoming challenges to improve the state, reaffirmed its commitment to delivering social services and infrastructure projects despite efforts to deprive the state of funds.

The Governor underscored the initiatives’ transformative impact on the socio-economic well-being of benefiting communities.

“Our goal remains to make the people happy under the ‘Rivers First’ mantra,” Fubara stated, emphasising his focus on delivering projects without political interference.

Clearing the air on speculations about how his government has been expending funds, Fubara added: “Today, we are showcasing what we’ve achieved in those months when people questioned what we were doing and where the funds were. I am proud to say that this administration has not borrowed to execute projects. The only borrowing we undertook was for the Ring Road project, and that was transparent.

“Check with the Debt Management Office; we have not requested any other loans. We are judiciously applying the little we receive.”

Fubara’s comments arised during a continuing struggle for dominance with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently holds the position of FCT minister.

This political turmoil has led to divisions within the state House of Assembly, resulting in multiple legal disputes.

One notable case has prevented the federal government from disbursing additional federal funds to Rivers State until Fubara resubmits the 2024 appropriation bill to the assembly faction led by Wike’s ally, Martins Amaewhule.

In spite of these obstacles, Fubara emphasized his administration’s commitment to civil servants by introducing a new minimum wage of N85,000, which surpasses the national minimum wage of N70,000. He regarded this move as a clear indication of his government’s dedication to the citizens of Rivers State.

Recognizing the political and economic difficulties his administration faces, Fubara underscored the necessity of upholding peace and security while ensuring the delivery of essential services.