The newly sworn in executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminialaye Fubara during his first inaugural address to Rivers State citizens immediately after taking Oath of Office eulogized his political mentor and immediate past Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and his amiable wife, Justice Eberechi Suzette Wike for making it easier for him to emerge as Governor and for the successful election of those PDP members elected into state and National Assembly in the 2023 general elections. “A billion thanks are insufficient to express my gratitude to my boss and our indomitable leader. My family lacks the words to thank you. The Opobo kingdom cannot thank you enough. Only God can reward you in commensurate terms. We salute our father, leader and pathfinder, His Excellency Dr. Peter Otunaya Odili, CON, GSSRS and his amiable jurist wife and former First Lady, Her Excellency Justice Mary Odili, CFR, DSSRS. I welcome you both in a spirit of most humble gratitude,” he said..
The Rivers State Governor also identified with the Youths, Women and Ordinary Members of PDP of Rivers State and the roles they played in the victory the political party earned “We appreciate all our traditional rulers and the religious community for their unceasing prayer, trust and support. I also appreciate our vibrant youth, hardworking women and the rank and file of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for your loyalty, hard work and sacrifice. You proved that Rivers State is PDP: Rivers PDP is matchless.”
The swearing in exercise was first greeted with a downpour of rainfall from a few minutes after 7am and by 10:35am it subsided which paved the way to the commencement of the program of events held at Yakubu Gowon Stadium formerly Liberation Stadium Elekahia Port Harcourt. After the opening prayers was said the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Honourable Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, who first conducted the swearing in of Deputy Governor, Prof. (Mrs.) Ngozi Odu. This was immediately followed by the Oath of Office and swearing in of Executive Governor Sir, Siminialaye Joseph Fubara.
On the epoch of the event the former Governor Wike immediately handed over a prepared document paper detailing activities of his administration which symbolize transmission of power from one administration to another…an exercise which happened to have been the first since the 4th Republic till now.
Governor Siminialaye Fubara reiterated the need to strengthen the political party PDP and ensure it remains the most dominant and successful political vehicle to advance collective and individual political interests of the members and the state.
In his speech, he outlined an action plan for his administration of which he said that he will continue with the developmental plans of his predecessor and that he will complete all ongoing projects already started by his boss.
The construction of Port Harcourt Ring Road and establishment of Primary Health Care and maintenance of the primary, secondary and tertiary health institutions will be paramount in his administration.
He identified the fact that he and the Deputy Governor worked in the Rivers State Civil Service for decades and have practically served every government since 1999 as he said “our knowledge is extensively enriched by our lifelong interactions, connections and service to the State and our people in public and private capacities.
“We know the Rivers State as well as anyone. We know your hopes and expectations. We know our terrain and development challenges. We see our progress and what more to do to take us higher.
We have been well-groomed, charged and challenged none more so than by our leader Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, whose passion for the progress of Rivers State is beyond measure. Being his offshoot, we will follow in his footsteps to balance change, consolidation and continue in his stead.
“The primary responsibility of a new government is to do its best to advance the security and well-being of the State and its citizens.
Therefore, as we undertake our responsibilities, we promise to stay the course, commit to cooperative governance and expand opportunities for everyone. The wishes of our people for a happy life are our mission in politics.
“Under us, our magistrates and judicial officers shall remain the leading lights regarding administrative autonomy, personal security, working environment and well-being of our people. Accordingly, we will prioritize the well-being of the state and citizens with a renewed focus on economic growth, people-centred projects and social services. We will, therefore, partner with the private sector to develop an integrated multimodal public transportation system to advance mass mobility and access to socio-economic opportunities across the State. We will also construct the Port Harcourt Ring Road to enhance the mobility of goods and services across the state.
“We are proud of the state’s achievements in the healthcare sector, particularly the construction of new primary healthcare centres, the Mother and Child Hospital, the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, the Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Diagnostic and Treatment Centre and the contributory Healthcare Insurance Law.
We believe in the job creation capacity of small and medium enterprises. And so, we shall facilitate targeted access to low-interest funds for youth entrepreneurs to start or improve their businesses, earn decent incomes and generate employment for themselves and others.
“We are all equal stakeholders with shared responsibility for the security of our state. We will spare no effort to keep Rivers State secure and robust. We will be hard on crime and criminality. We will swiftly and firmly deal with anyone, regardless of status or position, rich or poor, who breaks our laws or dares to violate our environment, peace and security.We will continue to support and motivate the security agencies to maintain law and order and keep our communities, roads, neighbourhoods and waterways protected, safe and secure for businesses, residents, and visitors, he said.
The governor extended hands of fellowship to the opposition, he will seek respect, constructive criticism and patriotism from them. “With politics over, now is the time for governance. We need collective responses to the challenges we face. We need all hands to construct the Rivers State of our dreams. Our doors are open.
“To our youths, we encourage you not to give up on your dreams. We will work with you to realize them and secure your future.To our women, we appreciate your sacrifice and contributions to building our families and educating our children. We will protect your freedoms on gender equality and support you with means and opportunities to elevate your economic status and circumstances.”
The newly sworn in executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminialaye Fubara had given strenuous warning against any act of sabotage and criminality in Rivers during his administration.
His inaugural speech titled “TOGETHER, LET’S CONSOLIDATE THE NEW RIVERS STATE” was well articulated being his first address to Rivers State people. The many expectations from the people remain a quick reminder to the new administration as his predecessor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike was christened “Mr. Quality Projects” to which stands a huge space to be filled by the newly inaugurated Sir, Siminialaye Fubara.
-Emeka Amaefula
+234(0)811181306
Send Us News, Gist, more... to citypeopleng@gmail.com | Twitter: @CitypeopleMagz
