Fubara Insists Detractors Will Not Stop Governance in Rivers

Judiciary panel continues inquiry into arson attack on LG secretariats  

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has insisted that his government will continue to deliver good governance to Rivers people despite attacks and distraction from detractors in the state.

This came as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by Governor Fubara to investigate the arson, killings and wanton destruction of property at some Local Government Council Headquarters in the state, has continued hearings to unravel the cause of incident.

The Rivers State governor gave the assurance during his inspection of the extent of reconstruction work achieved at the Zonal Hospital Site in Omoku Town in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA of the state.

The governor noted the obvious political distractions that are intended to derail any progress in good governance, saying that detractors want to distract government’s focus on delivering quality projects and services to Rivers people.

He assured that, notwithstanding the political attacks, he will continue to implement the strategic vision of governance that aligns with the goals of providing affordable healthcare services, quality education and boosting agriculture while in standard infrastructure for the state.

The governor said: “I want you to know this afternoon of this reconfirmation of our commitment to Rivers people that, not minding the attacks, notwithstanding the boast by people who believe they don’t want this state to go forward, that they will be disappointed.

“That they want to make this state to be on fire so that we will be distracted from governance, we want to tell them, that while we face the fire, our eyes are on the ball. 

“We will ensure that this particular project is delivered on time, alongside that of Bori Zonal Hospital, by the special grace of God, before the end of this year.”

Assuring the readiness of the Bori and Omoku Zonal Hospitals for public use by end of 2024, Governor Fubara expressed satisfaction with the progress of work done, and commended the contractor for adhering to agreed specifications of the project.

“We confirmed that the contractor is working according to specifications because we want this facility to have a mortuary, a laundry which are needed for a standard hospital, and accommodation for the health workers”.

Governor Fubara further said: “We promise that this project, as part of what we promised our good people of Rivers State, that healthcare, education and agriculture are the prime things that we must, no matter the circumstances we find ourselves, deliver to our people.”

The governor insisted that he will not renege on his promise to deliver only the best projects to Rivers people, and provision of standard social services.

Meanwhile, the seven-man judiciary Inquiry led by the Chairman, Justice Ibiwingi Minakiri yesterday, resumed sitting with appearance of witnesses from Eleme LGA, one of the affected local government councils attacked by political thugs on October 7, this year.

On resumption of sitting, Justice Minakiri reassured that the panel will be very professional in the discharge of their duties and will not unduly victimise anyone, and called for the cooperation of all. 

With the daily sitting, the commission has demonstrated their eagerness to complete the hearing and submission of the report to the executive governor within thirty (30) days from their swearing in.

At the inaugural sitting on October 30, witnesses from the Ikwerre LGA who testified before the panel, also tendered documents to defend their claims in the attack.

Mr. Smiles Azunda, while testifying, accused the immediate past chairman of the council, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, an ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of being instigator of the violence in the area.

Other witnesses also took their turns in the witness box to state their complaints.