Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged his loyalists and political supporters to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, describing it as a collective responsibility ahead of the next general election.
The governor made the call on Tuesday while inaugurating the 9.7-kilometre Ogbakiri Roundabout–Ogbakiri Waterfront Road in Emohua Local Government Area of the state.
The road project, constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, was commissioned amid a large turnout of residents and political supporters.
Governor Fubara disclosed that he recently held a strategic meeting with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), during which he assured party leaders of growing grassroots support for President Tinubu in Rivers State.
Describing the President’s re-election as a major assignment, Fubara said mobilisation had already commenced across communities, adding that the crowd at the commissioning ceremony showed that significant progress had been made.
“We know you are hardworking and that you enjoy organic support. What we need now is to transfer this support to the success of our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the governor said.
“I assured the party leadership not to worry, because what truly matters is having the right foot soldiers on ground,” he added.
Fubara described the Ogbakiri road as a landmark achievement, noting that the project was initiated during one of the most challenging periods of his administration.
He revealed that the first payment for the project was made at a time when the state was operating under a court order restricting access to federal allocations, stressing that his administration chose to remain committed to service delivery despite the constraints.
“Even in the face of difficulty, we kept faith with the people and trusted that God would always make a way. This road stands as evidence of our commitment to keeping promises,” he said.
The governor also acknowledged requests from the Council of Chiefs, including the construction of internal roads and a proposed bridge to enhance transportation, security and commercial activities in the area, assuring that the proposals would be considered after cost assessments.
Commending the host community, Fubara noted that peace and cooperation played a critical role in the successful execution of the project, adding that Ogbakiri—once prone to crises—has now embraced peace and development.
He stressed that peace remains the foundation for sustainable development across Rivers State and urged residents to safeguard public institutions.
Providing technical details, the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the road project, awarded in September 2024, spans 9.7 kilometres with a 7.3-metre carriageway width.
He added that the project includes solar-powered streetlights, 4.5 kilometres of reinforced concrete drainage, and reinforced concrete culverts at strategic locations.
In his remarks, Abdulaziz Kaita, Director of Administration at Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, disclosed that the project was completed three months ahead of schedule, attributing the early delivery to the cooperation of the state government and host communities.
He commended Governor Fubara’s commitment to infrastructure development, describing the governor as a leader driven by Focus, Unity, Boldness, Accountability, Resilience and Action.
Blessing Ibunge
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