Anita Ogona
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has tasked hosts communities of the Trans-Kalabari road project, the Rumuolumeni and Kalabari communities to support the speedy delivery of the project by cooperating with the contractors handling the road project, Lubrik Construction Limited to ensure its successful completions.
Governor Fubara gave the charge while addressing the people during the official flag of the Trans Kalabari Road Project at Aker Base Junction, Rumuolumeni in Obio Akporvolved LGA on Monday.
Governor Fubara who was in the company of the former president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan who was the Special Guest of Honour during the flag off ceremony, said there was no better time than now for the project to be embarked on, given its economic value and importance to the lives of the people.
The Governor said his administration will not resort to borrowing but to execute the landmark Trans Kalabari Road Project through internally generated revenue.
He emphasised that in spite of the expensive nature of the project due to the difficult terrain, his administration decided to embark on it in fulfilment of the promise he made to the people of Kalabari Kingdom during his electioneering campaign, and because the project will enhance social integration and economic development in the area.
“When we went to campaign to the people of Kalabari Kingdom, we promised them that we’ll do the trans-Kalabari road, that is what we are doing today. When we make a promise we keep to it. It’s going to be expensive but we’re equal to the task”.
Governor Fubara stated that his administration will not only focus on road projects but develop other critical sectors of the state’s economy.
In his remarks, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and special guest at the event, Dr Goodluck Jonathan applauded Governor Fubara for deciding to embark on the project and inviting him to conduct the official flag off ceremony.
He said: “it’s a big honour to come and associate with this historic project, only a person who has vision and commitment to develop his people can do this. There are key elements to consider in the development of a community or nation, air services, roads, rail and the water ways, this Trans Kalabari road will enhance social integration, economic growth and security in Rivers State.”
Dr Jonathan who commended the leadership style of Gov Fubara, said the Rivers State Governor has proved within the few months of his administration that he is focused and ready to develop Rivers State, and called on the Traditional Rulers, and the Youths of the beneficiary communities to cooperate with the contractors handling the Trans Kalabari Road project to succeed.
The former President expressed concern over the erupting political tensions in Rivers State, stating that Rivers State was strategic and critical to national development, implying that the destabilisation of the state will negatively affect the Niger Delta region and the Nation at large.
“And I join the leaders of Rivers State and well meaning Nigerians that have been calling for truce, to also call for cease fire. Let us do things that will rather project the State.”
“Leaders must know that nobody takes 100%. You must learn the principle of give and take. So, our own political actors must work together if you love Rivers people.”
“So, the tension will not help us. If Rivers State is destabilised, the whole Niger Delta will be destabilised and it will not end within the Niger Delta alone because I am from this part of the country and I know how the system works. So, we don’t want any crisis in Rivers State.”
Recall that on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 the Rivers State Executive Council gave approval and awarded the contract for the construction of the 12.5kilometers Trans-Kalabari road project at the contract sum of N225,114,563,830.02. The road has four crossing bridges of 576m, 288m, 360m, 108m and 3 Deck-on-pile of different meters ranging from 450 to 700 respectively.
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