Anita Ogona
The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has declared that his administration has successfully defended the right and opportunity to govern the state and advance its progress in freedom.
Gov Fubara who stated this while addressing Rivers stakeholders at a Town Hall meeting and presentation of his one year scorecard at the Obi Wali International Conference Center, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, called on the opposition to desist from instigating crisis in the state, as his administration remains committed to the covenant it made to defend the interest of Rivers people and dispense the dividends of democracy and good governance to the state
The governor noted that his administration came with a lot of enthusiasm to bring about changes desired by the people but suddenly got enmeshed in the cesspit of crisis barely three months into the tenure, describing it as a vicious existential crisis that drew back governance for several months.
He thanked Rivers people for their support to his administration, despite instigated crisis by his political foes, pointing out that his administration recorded significant achievements within its first year which are visible, as lot has changed in the political landscape of the state and his team is determined to develop the state with a sense of urgency.
“You gave me the greatest honour and opportunity to serve Rivers State as your Governor a year ago. Today, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you who helped me with this priceless opportunity to serve.
The governor who vowed to continue to premise his governance on transparency, accountability and effective service delivery, said the presentation of scorecard and stewardship to the people is a commitment to that vow.
“For us, any government worth its name must be accountable, responsive, and responsible for the security and well-being of the people. Having managed the affairs of our State for one year, including dispensing public resources, it is only proper that we render accounts with a public presentation of performance records.”
He emphasised that the core priorities of economic growth, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture, as contained in his administration’s blueprint for building a virile, resilient, and progressive State that caters to the needs of the people will be fully implemented.
The Governor said his administration
inherited a State, whose economy had remained on a declining trajectory despite its growth potential, but is poised to change this negative narrative for the better.
Gov. Fubara assured the commitment of his administration towards enhancing economic diversification through agriculture, and attracting serious investors to take over and revive all state-owned farms and agricultural assets and harness the huge agricultural potential of the State to enhance food security, economic growth, job creation and generation of revenue for the government.
He pointed out that from the onset of his administration he believed that infrastructure is key to sustainable development, adding that without adequate infrastructure, Rivers State will not be secured, safe, economically vibrant, developed, and prosperous.
“As patriots, we are all looking forward to the day when all Rivers State will be interconnected by roads and bridges, which only the government can make possible in partnership with the private sector and development partners.”
“I acknowledge that the achievements we have recorded, and the progress made would not have been possible without your enduring support and the significant roles you all played in different capacities, whether as legislators, judicial officers, political and opinion leaders, civil servants, the clergy, professionals, businessmen and women, youths, or ordinary citizens.”
“I assure you that we will continue to build on what we have achieved; neither would we fail to prioritize the security, comfort, welfare, and prosperity of our people as the be-all and end-all of our administration. Our goal is to build a strong, resilient and sustainable economy bustling to advance the security and well-being of all who live in our dear State.”
He stated that after one year his government is succeeding as the state’s internally generated revenue witnessed an astronomical increase from 12 billion naira to between 17 billion naira in off-peak periods and 28 billion naira during the peak months.
Governor Fubara who listed the achievements of his administration in the education sector, roads and other infrastructures, health care delivery, economic growth and workers welfare, was joined by other dignitaries to unveil the scorecard of his administration.
Responding during the question and answer session Governor Fubara emphasized that the 10,000 employment for Rivers people is being revived by his government to ensure that the overaged applicants are removed, assuring that a consultant is working on it before any further action.
Speaking earlier, the chairman of the event, and former member of Nigerian Senate, Senator John Azuta Mbata lauded Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his purposeful leadership and audacious approach to governance.
He noted that the real democratic process entails that the people should be the centre piece of governance, and the Rivers State Governor has justified that through his leadership style.
Sen Mbata congratulated the Rivers State Governor for his numerous achievements within one year in office and for choosing the path of transparency and accountability in governance.
He said accountability is part of a responsible leadership which Governor Fubara has demonstrated describing him as a leader that loves humanity and not publicity.
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government Dr Tammy Danagogo, had welcomed the participants to the event noting that the hallmark of Governor Fubara’s administration is transparency and accountability, and the Governor is transforming the State through a quiet and noiseless revolution.
He pointed out that the revolution is exemplified in monumental projects embarked on by the governor, such as the Trans Kalabari Road, Port Harcourt Ring Road among several others, as well as completing other abandoned projects.
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