● Tonye Okurumo
•Says We’re Building People to Drive Rural Development
•As Bauchi Gov Inaugurates 14.1km Umuakali-Eberi Road
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his faith in the Nigerian judiciary, describing it as the last hope of the common man. He commended the judiciary for its steadfastness and urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and not be discouraged by recent challenges.
Governor Fubara made these remarks during the inauguration of the 14.1km Umuakali-Eberi-Omodu Road project at the State School II Field in Obibi Umuogba, Omuma Local Government Area, on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, disclosed this in a statement.
During the event, the King of Eberi-Omuma Kingdom, Eze Onyekachi Amaonwu, conferred the honorary title of Nwanne di na mba of Omuma land (Our Brother in Another Land) on Governor Fubara. The Governor described the road as crucial for connecting Omuma communities to neighboring Abia State, emphasizing its significance in the area’s rural development.
Governor Fubara highlighted how the project marks a turning point for Omuma, breaking what he called a long-standing “jinx” of development being controlled by a single individual. He stated that empowering diverse stakeholders in the community was critical to driving rural transformation.
“This Local Government was under siege by one person. But today, you can see the liberation,” the Governor said. “The excitement is evident in the faces of everyone here. The Chairman captured it well, and as I said during my campaign, thank God for social and electronic media that recorded me.”
He added, “My focus is not on building one individual as a centerpiece of development but on empowering men and women to ensure rapid growth across the Local Government. Today, what I said a year ago has manifested, and people now see the importance of collective progress.”
Reflecting on past criticisms, Governor Fubara said his administration had been quietly executing projects despite political opposition. He pointed to the newly inaugurated road as a transformative project connecting Rivers to Abia State, boosting economic and cultural ties while reducing vehicle maintenance costs.
“This project is not just a road; it’s an inter-state development lifeline. It demonstrates our commitment to delivering on promises made during the campaign,” Fubara remarked. “Governance is about serving the people, protecting lives, and ensuring progress. We must tell our own story; otherwise, no one will.”
The Governor also announced plans for further interventions in Omuma, including rehabilitating the dilapidated school, health center, and General Hospital, as well as reconstructing internal roads. He urged the council chairman and traditional rulers to manage resources judiciously and prioritize peaceful and lawful resolutions of disputes.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who inaugurated the project, commended Governor Fubara’s performance despite political challenges. He described the event as a hopeful sign for Nigeria, praising Fubara’s humility, focus, and developmental strides.
“Governor Fubara is not only polite and unassuming but also a performer par excellence,” Mohammed said. “Despite distractions, he has delivered impactful projects that restore the glory of Rivers State as a cradle of modern politics in Nigeria. He is teaching us a better way to approach governance—with humility and focus on collective progress.”
Governor Mohammed called on the Federal Government to prioritize governance and address inefficiencies within its administration. “We pray for our leaders to succeed because their success affects us all. Mr. President must remove excess baggage from his cabinet and bring in capable people to ensure national progress.”
Providing technical details of the project, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, explained that the 14.1km Umuakali-Eberi Road is 7.4 meters wide and designed to enhance socio-economic activities in the area.
In his welcome address, Omuma Local Government Chairman, Promise Reginald, expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for the inclusive development agenda that has given Omuma residents a renewed sense of belonging and hope for the future. GMTNewsng
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