BY OGORAMAKA AMOS
RIVERS State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has reaffirmed that his administration will not allow any detractor to undermine the state’s progress as it enters the year 2025.
Speaking at the New Year Day State Banquet in Port Harcourt, the governor expressed confidence that with the support of key political figures, including former Governor Peter Odili, Rivers State will continue on its path of development.
Governor Fubara said, “We will ensure we protect the integrity of this state, at all costs. We won’t allow anybody to take this state for a ride. It doesn’t matter the approach I will use. It’s not going to be a fight. We will follow the issues as we did when they (detractors) started begging.”
Fubara also emphasized the strong backing from past political leaders in Rivers, noting that their support ensures the state remains on a path of steady progress. “A lot of people wouldn’t understand what is happening but one of the troubles they (detractors) have is that they don’t have any face with them,” he said while highlighting that figures like Dr Peter Odili were crucial to the state’s political success.
Reflecting on 2024, the governor described the year as challenging, but ultimately productive for his administration. “2024 wasn’t an easy year, but it was great for us in the end. We had our losses, but our gains surpassed them,” Fubara said.
Looking ahead to 2025, he assured that his government would continue prioritizing the welfare of Rivers people and building upon the achievements of the previous year.
Governor Fubara also emphasized the need for more infrastructural development and the improvement of public services. He highlighted the restoration of the State Fire Service, stating, “For over nine years, there was no functional Fire Service, but today, I can proudly tell you that we’ve bought all the vehicles and are remodelling the offices.”
In education, the governor pointed out that the state was behind and stressed that his administration would prioritize the sector. “Education is the only instrument that can help our youths avoid criminality and crime,” he said, adding that his government would continue to allocate resources to improving schools and other critical sectors.
“2025 is going to be a year of all-round achievements,” Fubara declared, announcing plans for a new round of project commissioning in February 2025. “This time around, not just roads. Our Fire Service and education are among the key areas we are focusing on.”
The governor also thanked the people of Rivers State for their continued support, stating, “Whatever win we scored today, it is not me alone, but the government and the support received from every one of you.”
