*As Wike bows out.
Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara has declared his administration’s resolve to expand the existing socioeconomic opportunities in order to engender prosperity for all Rivers people.
Governor Fubara spoke at the General Yakubu Gowon Stadium, venue of his swearing-in as the sixth democratically elected governor of Rivers State amidst rainfall.
Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi administered the oath of office on governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu.
Thereafter, former governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike handed over the flag of Rivers State and handover notes to Governor Fubara.
Governor Fubara in his inaugural address titled “Together, Let’s Consolidate the New Rivers State”, noted the poor state of the national economy. He however, promised that his administration will take measures to diversify Rivers economy and insulate it so that it can grow.
He also assured of promoting the climate of ease of doing business in the State and attract direct foreign investment capable of empowering Rivers people.
“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.”
“We will prioritize the well-being of the State and citizens with a renewed focus on economic growth, people-centred projects and social services.
He said further: “We will improve the ease of doing business and sustain a congenial fiscal regime to attract local and foreign direct investments to stimulate greater economic activities, create wealth and improve citizens’ livelihoods.”
“We will adopt a re-industrialization policy master plan and partner with the private sector to revive or establish viable industries to create jobs and empower our people.”
“We will also support the growth of small businesses and encourage commercial agriculture to achieve food security, industrialization and improved living standards for citizens.”
Governor Fubara said his administration is already building on the successes of his predecessor and will construct more projects including the Port Harcourt ring round.
According to him, there shall be healthy partnership with private investors to provide integrated inter-modular public transportation system in the State.
“We witnessed unprecedented growth in infrastructure in the last eight years, but there’s still more to do.
“We will follow in our leader’s footsteps to invest in capital projects, including roads, bridges, electricity supply to our rural areas, and social housing.”
Also in his words, governor Fubara said: “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.”
Governor Fubara said the challenges in the health sector like inadequate manpower and corruption will be addressed to achieve optimal performance.
In the education sector, governor Fubara said smart classrooms will be provided for students to prepare for global competition, empower the youths with skills to become economically active while being connected to small and medium scale business opportunities.
“We care about our youth. We know they need jobs, opportunities, empowerment and the freedom to build sound, promising futures. We will not abandon our youth to their fate. We will continue prioritizing education at all levels and empower our youth with the relevant skills and opportunities to become economically active, productive and prosperous.”
“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.”
Governor Fubara particularly acknowledged the achievements of his predecessor in the health sector.
“We are also 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.”
“With what is on the ground, it is evident that the primary challenges with our healthcare system are more with inadequate manpower, corruption, indiscipline and ineffective management.
Governor Fubara gave a firm assurance by saying: “I assure you that apart from completing all ongoing healthcare infrastructure projects, we will deal with all identified challenges and ensure that the healthcare system functions optimally to deliver affordable and efficient healthcare to citizens.”
“We are equally proud of the State’s unprecedented educational advancement, especially in the last four years. Our public schools at all levels, irrespective of location, are some of the lovely and best-resourced in the country.”
Governor Fubara stated that his administration will consolidate on the progress made so far by: “introducing smart schools and classrooms across the State to empower our children with world-class learning experiences and make Rivers State a knowledge hub.”
While vowing to be hard on crime and criminality, governor Fubara thanked civil servants for their support and promised regular payment of salary, gratuity, more training, promotion for them and housing for low income earners.
“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.”
The governor addressed issues of civil servants that he described as members of his constituency: “To our civil servants, I thank all of you for your invaluable contributions to the state’s progress over the years.
“We appreciate your indispensability and promise to meet all our obligations to you, including regular payment of wages, pensions, gratuity, training and promotions. All we ask is your continued patriotism, dedication, and enthusiasm in the execution of your official duties.”
Governor Fubara further promised to govern Rivers people with the fear of God, cognizance of the fact that Rivers is a Christian state.
He also assured the church and spiritual leaders of his administration reboust partnership to enhance the moral and spiritual wellbeing of Rivers people.
“Rivers State is a Christian State, and God is our foundation. We shall govern with the fear of God and stay strong to our Christian values of trust, faith, love, care and sacrifice.”
“We shall deepen the inseparable ties between the Church and the State government for the benefit of our people. We assure the Christian Association of Nigeria and other spiritual leaders of our sincere friendship, support and solidarity.”
“We will continue to support and work with the Church to defend our faith, advance our values and enhance our people’s moral and spiritual well-being.
At Government House, Governor Fubara hung the official portraits of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his own and that of his predecessor, former Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
Press Unit
Government House, Port Harcourt.
May 29, 2023.
