The governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has said he would serve the full length of his tenure as governor despite the lingering political crisis in the oil-rich state.
Fubara, while stating that he was popularly elected as governor by the people of the state, assured residents nothing will reduce his tenure in office.
The governor spoke when addressing members of the Family Support Group (FSP) who paid him a solidarity visit at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Members of FSP were in Government House to declare their unalloyed support to Governor Fubara’s administration.
Governor Fubara’s assurance was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, on Thursday.
There had been lingering political crisis in Rivers between Fubara and his predecessor and now Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike.
But addressing members of the group who had visited to assured the governor of their support, Fubara reiterated that his government was popularly elected at the poll and deserved to serve out its full tenure.
Fubara told them not to panic and be rest assured of the determination of his administration to protect lives and property of residents.
The statement explained that FSP “is an assemblage of well-meaning Rivers youths, women and men drawn from the three Senatorial Districts and 23 local government areas, with the core aim of protecting, promoting and defending the interests of Rivers State”.
“The whole land of Rivers State stands in affirmation that we won the election fairly, and deserve to serve out our full tenure. There is not going to be anything that will cut short the popular mandate that you all gave to this administration.”
Fubara, who was represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, said that the government was for the youths, women, men and every well-meaning Nigerian, who wished the State well.
He noted that it was gratifying to see such ebullient youths showing undying interest in government, and were also willing to defend their votes, and therefore, desired the tenure completed without interruption.
The Governor explained that many developmental projects had been completed and opened for public use with many others like the Port Harcourt Ring Road still actively ongoing.
He specifically noted the readiness of the administration to kick off the construction of phase two of the real Trans-Kalabari Road from Port Harcourt through Tombia to other communities; and the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said: “Just about within weeks of assuming office, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, flagged-off the Port Harcourt Ring Road project that will transverse six local governments. It will be completed within 36 months, but I think it will be completed before the time, because the progress of work we have seen is beyond what we were thinking.
“The Trans-Kalabari Kalabari Road, very soon, the official main Trans-Kalabari Road will start, and will begin from Port Harcourt. That road, a lot of plans have been done, very soon, you will see contractors on site, and Rivers State will be opened.
“Just yesterday, you heard in the news also that the Governor has commenced the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road. That road was initially done with one lane, but now, he is going to dualise it. The Government has already awarded the contract.”
Fubara emphasised that his administration remained pro-youth and pro-human beings, and determined to maintain that level of empathy and inclusivity that offered succour to the people.
He said: “I, therefore, want to thank you for the promise you have made, and I want you to remain unshakable. Keep your word of defending him at all times.
“When you hear anything outside, be bold, defend the Governor, and tell the people the things you know about him. Tell them what you know he has done to develop the State and the people.”
In his address, the President-General of Family Support Group, Mr. Henry Abraham, recalled that during the 2023 elections, they were encouraged to vote and defend their votes because the process was violence-free and credible.
He said: “When we defend our votes, we will also defend the man we voted for. We are Family Support Group, Rivers State belongs to all of us. Rivers State is not a personal estate of one man, it’s for all Rivers people.
“Sir Siminalayi Fubara, stand firm. Family Support Group is with you. All the wards’ co-ordinators are with you. All the wards’ executives are with you. All the LGA coordinators are with you. All the officers of the National Executive Committee are with you. All our leaders are with you, and the PDP is with you,” he assured.
