Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said that despite the political challenges facing his administration, the people of Rivers State will ultimately emerge stronger.
Fubara made this statement while urging residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the overall interest of the state.
The governor also encouraged his supporters and well-meaning Rivers residents not to be disheartened by recent events but to stay hopeful, emphasising that God would not allow his administration, which He enthroned, to be truncated midway.
Fubara spoke on Monday at the inauguration of the Palace of Nyeweali Akpor Kingdom and a magnificent residential quarters for the King, Eze Levi Amos Oriebe, built and furnished by his administration in Ozuoba, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
He criticised those attempting to disrupt governance by intensifying political tensions, insisting that his priority remains maintaining peace and warning against any form of lawlessness.
“I want to say to our teeming supporters, I know that while some of you are in high spirits, others feel discouraged. But I assure you of one thing: God does not start something and abandon it midway.
“No matter the situation today, I promise you that we will emerge stronger and better. Follow my path, and that path remains one of peace. We need peace because, if anything happens, we will be the greatest losers.
“Our concern for this state is not for personal gain but for the total well-being of Rivers State. So, I appeal to everyone: be law-abiding. I will not encourage disobedience or violence, but that does not mean we will support evil. We will never support evil,” Fubara declared.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance and its promise to deliver impactful, people-oriented development projects.
“Our projects and services will continue to touch the hearts, souls, and spirits of our people. No matter the challenges we face, we will not renege on the promises we made to the good people of Rivers State,” he said.
Speaking on the project, Fubara described it as historic, noting that it was the first time in over 200 years that the Akpor Kingdom had received a befitting palace.
He recalled that 10 months ago, during the flag-off of the Okania-Ogbogoro Road reconstruction, he had promised to build the palace in response to a request from the people, and the project was completed just six months after its commencement.
“I was truly touched, to the point of shedding a few tears, when the Royal Father spoke and said that in over 200 years of the Akpor Kingdom’s existence, it had never had a palace,” Fubara stated.
“But God does not make mistakes. Perhaps He destined it to be fulfilled during our administration so that we will be part of history forever in the Akpor Kingdom.”
Fubara further explained that beyond constructing the palace, his administration also provided a personal residence for the Nyeweali, recognising that while the palace belonged to everyone, the king’s family would eventually need their own home.
“After living in such a fine place, what happens to his family when he leaves? We had to provide a personal residence for him. So, we did not just build the palace; we also ensured the Eze has his own home, where he can continue to enjoy the comfort he has now,” he added.
Fubara expressed gratitude to the Akpor people for conferring on him the chieftaincy title of “Eze Omenma 1 of Akpor Kingdom,” pledging to uphold the honour. He also acknowledged the strong support of the Obio/Akpor people, assuring them of their strategic importance in his administration.
Performing the inauguration, Eze Oha Apara (IV), the Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, His Majesty Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, recalled that he, too, had recently benefited from Governor Fubara’s administration, which built a magnificent palace for the Apara Kingdom.
Eze Worlu-Wodo, who also serves as Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, explained why the government was investing in palace construction, stating that traditional rulers are the closest leaders to the people.
“Traditional rulers play vital roles in maintaining peace and order within communities, thereby simplifying governance at the state level,” he said.
“A colleague from Calabar once told me that respect for traditional rulers and elders is a sign of good upbringing. Our governor has demonstrated this good upbringing.
“Your Excellency, I am honoured to witness your goodwill, respect, and commitment to strengthening the traditional institution. You have done well, and we are all proud of you.”
Eze Worlu-Wodo also praised Fubara’s numerous development projects across the state and urged him not to be distracted by recent political tensions.
“God is in charge of this state, and the machinations of the wicked will not succeed,” he declared.
Providing details of the project, Rivers State Commissioner for Special Projects, Rowland Obed-Whyte, stated that construction began in August 2024 and was completed within six months.
Source:
punchng.com
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