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  • I was abandoned by PDP – Fubara

    I was abandoned by PDP – Fubara

    …says ‘I didn’t think twice before defecting to APC’ 

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has revealed that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) abandoned him during a challenging period, which resulted in his six-month suspension from office. 

    He also described his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as one of the easiest political decisions he has ever made.

    Fubara made the remarks to journalists following his maiden visit to the APC National Working Committee (NWC) at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday night.

    Reflecting on his departure from the PDP, the governor said he has no regrets, noting that the opposition party was largely absent during his trials. 

    “If I have to be honest, was I really a member of the PDP? I wasn’t. Whatever I suffered during the political crisis, 90 percent of it was imposed on me by the party,” he said. He humorously added that during the crisis, he felt neither inside nor outside the party, describing himself as “at the balcony.”

    On joining the APC, Fubara described the move as simple and motivated by gratitude. “I think my transition was one of the easiest things I have done in my life. Showing appreciation and gratitude is easy,” he said. 

    He added that his defection was aimed at supporting President Tinubu and collaborating with other progressives to develop Rivers State and Nigeria at large, calling the decision straightforward given his political journey.

    On his visit to Muhammadu Buhari House, Fubara said, “I can’t belong to a house without first coming into the house and understanding how it is arranged. I felt it would be proper for me to visit the national secretariat to familiarise myself with the members and the operations. This way, when I come here next time, it won’t feel as if I am a new person.”

    “So, I am here to assure you that I have come in, and we will work together to ensure that this party becomes greater than it is. The greatness we all desire from this party is the success of Mr. President. We cannot grow or expand if Mr. President is not succeeding. I can assure you that we are already showing evidence of success in my state through what we are delivering and the number of people affirming their support,” he said.

    Assuring members of the NWC of his commitment to the party and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the governor said, “Because you (NWC members) are standing with Mr. President, we are now standing with Mr. President. On behalf of the good people of Rivers State, my supportive members of the National Assembly, and members of the State Assembly who are with us, I can assure you that your new home is Rivers State,” he said. 

    APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, expressed happiness over the defection of the governor to the party.

    Yilwatda, who was represented by the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, said, “I will say that, as a party, we are very happy that you have decided to join because, with your orientation, you are progressive and true, and, of course, you complete the circle for us in the South-South region.

    “The geopolitical zone is the first that is completely APC. For people who are political watchers, if you have the South in any political party, I think the strength and the energy of that political party are more than half the power.

    “So we are very confident that you are joining our party. The strength of our party, if it was at Power 15 before, it is now much better—it has become Power 100,” he said.

    The governor, who arrived at the secretariat at about 6:50 pm, to the waiting hands of the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, National Welfare Secretary, Hon. Donatus Nwapa, and Deputy National Organizing Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru.

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), was also at hand to receive the governor. 

    Clad in a white kaftan and a black cap, the governor told the National Secretary, “I am supposed to join the Progressive Governors meeting, but I feel I should come here before the meeting.”

  • Transfer your support to Tinubu, Fubara tells loyalists

    Transfer your support to Tinubu, Fubara tells loyalists

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has directed his loyalists to channel their support towards the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The governor made the call on Thursday while inaugurating the Ogbakiri Junction–Waterfront Road in Emohua Local Government Area of the state.

    Fubara disclosed that he recently held a strategic meeting with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), during which he was urged to mobilise his supporters in Rivers State in support of President Tinubu.

    Describing Tinubu’s re-election as a major task ahead, the governor said he assured the APC leadership not to be concerned, noting that his camp had the “right foot soldiers” to deliver the needed support in the state.

    He added that the mobilisation process had already commenced, stressing that the turnout of residents who came out to receive him showed that the assignment was already about 70 per cent achieved in the local government area.

    The governor commended Chief David Omereji, a prominent son and leader of Ogbakiri, for his steadfast support, expressing confidence that his followers would work closely with Omereji’s political structure to accomplish the task ahead.

    Fubara also appealed to residents to sustain peace in their communities to allow development to spread across the state, urging them to safeguard government investments in their areas.

    Addressing the crowd, he said, “The task ahead is simple. It might be big, but it is simple because we have started it already. By the grace of God, yesterday I paid a visit to the National Working Committee of our great party, and after the meeting, they gave me a message that I am giving to all of you. It is a simple message. 

    “We know that you are very hardworking and you have organic support, so transfer this support to the success of our leader, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu. I told them in the meeting that they shouldn’t worry, but what is important is that we have the right foot soldiers.

    “Today I am happy to say that what I am seeing here with the support of the LGA, from the local government chairman, the chiefs, and everyone here, our job is 70% done. 

    “We need peace not just in Ogbakiri or Emohua, but we need peace in Rivers State so that development can be spread to all parts. People should learn to protect what is around them. You have a University here, protect it. 

    “You have other things of interest by the state government, and some federal assets protect them because in the end the benefit comes to you. I am appealing to everyone of you that we need peace and need to protect everything that is around us. That is the only way I can come here and make promises, and with your support, we will continue to deliver.”

    Describing the inaugurated project as significant, the governor recalled that it was initiated at the most trying period of his administration.

    He said, “I can’t forget the circumstances that we were facing at that time. We were commissioning the East-West road to Terma junction, and that particular stretch, the Ogbakiri road, was an annex to it; Terma-Abalama-Abonnema, and the other stretch that leads to Buguma. So, it won’t be nice that we commission this stretch and abandon the other part leading to Ogbakiri.

    “At that time, with the situation that we were in, we made a promise not just to the people of Kalabari, but also to the people of Emohua and Ogbakiri in particular that we would visit those two aspects of the roads. I am happy today that we are here to commission the one that connects to the Ogbakiri people 

    “When we made the first payment for this project, it was when we had the first Court judgment barring us from accessing our federal allocation. But I made a promise when I came here that no matter the situation, God will provide a way for us to finance this project. So when I say the project is significant to us, I know why I say so.”

    The governor said the completed project was evidence of service delivery and assured the people that his government would continue to keep its promises.

    He said he would consider the request of the council of chiefs on the issue of internal roads and constructing a bridge to connect the other side to ease transportation inconvenience and improve the commercial activities of the people.

    He said, “The beauty of this whole thing is that the community gave a very strong support to the contractor and has also chosen the path of peace, the reason you are seeing this level of development. This is a community that was known over the years for crisis and loss of lives, but I am happy that your story is now different.”

  • JUST IN: Fubara visits APC national secretariat

    JUST IN: Fubara visits APC national secretariat

    The newly defected Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday night paid an unscheduled visit to the national headquarters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Fubara arrived at the party secretariat at about 6:50 p.m., where he was received by the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; the National Welfare Secretary, Hon. Donatus Nwapa; and the Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru.

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), was also present to welcome the governor.

    Read Also: FG dismisses 38 senior officers from NSCDC for various infractions

    Dressed in a white kaftan and red cap, Fubara told the National Secretary that although he was expected at the Progressive Governors’ meeting, he felt it was necessary to visit the party headquarters first.

    He was subsequently ushered into the office of the National Secretary, where they held a closed-door meeting.

    Details shortly…

  • Fubara clarifies N600bn in Rivers account after emergency

    Fubara clarifies N600bn in Rivers account after emergency

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that his administration left N300bn in the state’s account before the emergency rule declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Fubara, who spoke on Wednesday during the inauguration of the 14.2km Obodhi-Ozochi Road initiated by his predecessor but redesigned by his administration in Ahoada East and Ahoada West, said after the emergency and following his resumption, he met N600bn in the state’s account.

    Fubara gave the explanation after the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, made repeated claims that the immediate past Sole Administrator left N600bn in the state’s account.

    The governor said he had kept diligent records of all the money spent by his administration, maintaining that the evidence of how the money was being utilized would be visible soon.

    While insisting that his administration would not be associated with wrongdoing, the governor vowed that his sincerity was intact and that he would not be associated with fraudulent acts.

    The governor said his administration was currently executing serious projects across the state, observing that some persons might think they were not aware of cash disbursement because he did not engage in ceremonial flag-off of projects.

    Fubara said, “Today, I want to tell the world that when we left during the emergency rule, our records are there. We left over N300bn, and when we came back, we met about N600bn. Every penny that we are spending the records are there, and evidence of it will be shown between now and the next six months.

    “So, there is no issue with what we are doing with our money, or what we are doing with the money we met. At least nobody can take away my sincerity. I am not associated with anything that has to do with fraudulent acts.

    “If there is one thing I can say and do, and I am even proud of, it is that nobody can associate me with anything that has to do with any bad thing.

    So, your money and the record of how it is being spent are intact. We have strong projects that we are doing. Maybe the reason some people believe that there is something that is happening and they are not aware of it is that we don’t believe in flagging off projects except otherwise necessary.

    “We believe in commissioning them. We don’t want to spend money to fag-off projects and also spend money to commission. So, let’s save you the money for flagging off and entertaining when we are ready to tell you that this is what we have done with your money. Call me any day and anytime, the record is there.”

    Fubara said he had kept diligent records since he started working in the account department for the previous administration, even before the government of his predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike.

    He said, “Right from the time I started working for the government, or the time I started taking responsibility for accounts, my records are there. I am not talking about the immediate past administration; I am talking about previous administrations before these ones.

    “The records are there, call me any day and I will show you the records. If it comes to issues of record keeping, it is my profession. So you don’t need to worry about what happens to your money. We are using your money for the interest of the Rivers people. We are using it for the betterment of Rivers State. We are using it as one of the things you are seeing here today, delivering on the needs of our people.

    “So let me assure you that we are not going to let any of you down. We know the sacrifices you have made for us, and for that reason alone, we are not going to take any of you for granted.

    “Continue to believe in us and listen to us when we speak to you, because we know that at the end of the day, our position God willing will be the true position of our dear state.

    Fubara acknowledged that the project was initiated by his predecessor before the 2023 general election after consulting Edison Ehie.

    Overwhelmed by the crowd mobilised by Ehie to receive him, Fubara told the former lawmaker to translate the number into tangible votes for the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027.

    Explaining further, he said, “This project was initiated by my predecessor, and it was because of the special support and the energy that he saw in the person of Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie.

    “He called him and said, what do you want me to do, because I want us to make sure that we dominate Ahoada-East and Ahoada-West in the forthcoming election, which is the 2023 election? Edison said at that time, this is the project I want you to do for the people. To the glory of God my predecessor initiated this project in November 2022.

    “As a matter of fact because of this project Edison Ehie gave his all in that election and our victory wasn’t questionable in both local government areas. So when we came on board, it is natural that we see to the completion of this project.

    “To show our support, we extended this project from the initial design and added 4.2 kilometers, which made it 14.2 kilometers. That is the little way we can say thank you for the support of your son. You have also demonstrated it today, that for every kilometer you gave us a cow, and that is 14 cows.

    “What have you demonstrated today? You have demonstrated love, and what do I owe you in return, it is to also support you. You have made a request here for the extension of the road; consider it done.

    “I have only one request. On my way in here, I couldn’t access my seat because of the mammoth crowd. This crowd, Edison Ehie and his group, I am asking translate this crowd to the support that we are going to give to Mr. President come 2027. We know that when this crowd comes out, it is a walkover here. You did it for me in 2023, start preparing the grounds for 2027 for Mr. President”.

  • RHI, Fubara empower 500 elderly people in Rivers

    RHI, Fubara empower 500 elderly people in Rivers

    The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, have empowered 500 elderly citizens in the state with financial support of N200,000 each, through the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS).

    The empowerment programme was held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

    The event was part of activities to celebrate the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), a social investment programme of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    Speaking at the event, with the theme: “Finding Joy in Old Age”, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said the gesture, which has become traditional since 2023, was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation-building.

    Represented by wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, the nation’s First Lady said the scheme was designed to “Support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation”.

    Senator Tinubu said that the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative approved N1.9bn to be disbursed across the 36 states of the federation, including FCT, and DEPOWA, with each receiving N50million.

    She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that would make them find joy in old age.

     “I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” she said.

    In her remarks, wife of Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, said the Rivers State Government, through the magnanimity of the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, increased the number of beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.

    Lady Fubara restated the commitment of the Rivers government towards the provision of social welfare and improving the well-being of the elderly in the State.

    Also speaking, Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said Rivers had in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State.

    She advised the beneficiaries to go for regular medical check-up to ascertain the state of their health, noting that the Rivers state government has approved free medical services for the elderly under the Health4AllRivers Initiative.

    In her welcome speech, Rivers State Coordinator of RHI, Hon Tonye Briggs Oniyide, said that the beneficiries were carefully selected among hard-to-reach vulnerable elderly persons in the 23 local government areas and non-indigenes resident in the State, and advised them to make judicious use of the financial grant to boost their livelihoods.

  • Our performance will make Tinubu’s re-election easier in Rivers, says Fubara

    Our performance will make Tinubu’s re-election easier in Rivers, says Fubara

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration’s performance will make the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu easier in the state.

    The governor, who spoke while inaugurating the Ihuowo-Ihuama Road and Ring Roads built by his administration in Ahoada-East on Tuesday, said based on his performance, it would not be difficult to convince the people to support the President.

    Fubara commended the people of Ahoada-East for their support to his administration and promised to fulfill the demands presented on their behalf by Eze Upata.

    Addressing the people, the governor said, “Why are we doing all these things? We are doing it so that when we come to you and talk to you that this is the way we are going which you already know that our support today is for Mr. President, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, it won’t be a difficult message to sell to our people. 

    “Our people will say yes, the person who is talking to us has proven himself in little things, so if you are coming to tell us that this is where you are, and where you are going, they will close their eyes and follow you.

    “So, I want to thank you and also prepare you because we will come with that message very soon. We have started it already. That is our position as at today.”

    The governor said his administration was moved by the outcries of the people following the condition of the road, which he described as a death trap.

    The governor recalled that prior to the construction, the Ihuowo-Ihuama road harboured high rate of kidnapping and remembered that Eze Apata told him that the road caused the death of of many pregnant women, who tried to access a hospital through the axis.

    Fubara said, “This corridor was a major one, that those people who don’t want our State to have peace, the criminals were using this entrance to access one other river here, before they get to the other side, the Emohua side of the river. 

    “But I can say today, that with what we have done, it won’t be business as usual for them anymore. So you understand why I don’t need to talk about this road. It is just to say thank you because we have not done anything unusual.It is listening to the need of our people and seeing that as a government we are able to attend to their need.”

    The governor appreciated the contractor for utilizing the funds made available by the government observing that the contractor seized the opportunity to redeem his previously battered image.

    Fubara vowed to keep providing services that would keep satisfying the needs of the people saying the administration would leave lasting legacies.

    Fubara particularly thanked Sir Ngozi Abi saying he proved to be his stepping stone to his current position. 

    He said, “If he had not called me to work with him I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to get the other contacts and relationships that I had that propelled me to where I am today. 

    “So let me first say thank you for laying the foundation that others also took upon. It is only God that will reward you. I say it here today so that you understand how emotional that I am coming here to commission this project.”

  • Renewed Hope: Fubara, TAF inaugurate first phase of 20,000 low-cost housing units in Rivers

    Renewed Hope: Fubara, TAF inaugurate first phase of 20,000 low-cost housing units in Rivers

    • …Firm attributes success to Fubara’s commitment, policies

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Winner of Affordable Housing Company of the Year 2025, TAF Global, have inaugurated 1000 out of the 20,000 proposed low-cost housing units designed by the government as the Renewed Hope Housing Estate.

    Speaking while inaugurating the first phase of the project at the Greater TAF City Housing Estate along the Airport Road, Obirikwere, Rivers, Fubara said the intervention was aimed at complementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision in the housing sector.

    The governor said, “We approached here sometime last year to allocate land for 1000 housing units called the Renewed Hope Housing Estate. What we have done today is providing our first phase of our 20,000 units.

    “Imagine when the Federal Government 1000 will be coming in, and our remaining 19,000 is completed, there will be no housing problem in Rivers State anymore.

    “There won’t be people engaging in crime, because the major reason people get involved in crime is that they are looking for a way to survive and meet their basic needs in life. I can assure Rivers people that when it comes to the need for housing as an issue, we have taken it upon ourselves to make a different mark in this country.

    The governor recalled that the housing project idea was conceived during the most difficult period of his administration, adding that the execution phase faced more challenges than other developmental projects in the state.

    He said through the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, the previous administration acquired land to move development from the city centre to other areas to decongest Port Harcourt, accommodate the people, and make life easier.

    But he said, “You won’t believe that when we started this project, we had over 90 lawsuits and people claiming that they owned the land and the government had not paid. However, we give God the glory that, one way or another, we were able to surmount these challenges. It wasn’t just a challenge, it was a deliberate measure to frustrate our idea; frustrate this vision for the protection of the lives of our people.”

    He commended the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, the TAF Global, some responsible and respected leaders of the host community, and other stakeholders who supported the project.

    He said the 1000 housing units were designed for the middle-income earners, insisting that his government was moving development from the city centre to other areas.

    The governor called on persons allocated land in the area to begin development immediately to speed up the growth of the site, saying that Rivers should not be known as a one-city state.

    Fubara said his administration would continue to support the TAF Global to ensure the completion of the envisioned 20,000 housing units.

    The governor, who said many people were surprised at the progress of the project, reiterated his administration’s uncompromising stance on peace and the passion of his government to protect Rivers’ interest.

    Fubara said, “I know that a lot of people will be shocked and surprised that this project would get to this stage. But you should understand the person you are dealing with. We are committed, determined, and the interest of Rivers State is above our personal interest. So, if that is our model this is just the beginning.

    “We are happy today, and I urge everyone to maintain peace. Peace is the only thing that will bring development, and it is the ingredient that development thrives on. Conduct yourselves peacefully. What is important to me is the progress and development of Rivers State, and that should also be important to you.”

    Speaking earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Greater TAF Nigeria and TAF Africa Global Limited, Mr. Mustapha Njie, recalled that two years ago, Fubara laid the foundation for the Greater TAF City project.

    He said, “Exactly two years ago, on this very ground, His Excellency did more than perform a ceremonial groundbreaking; he ignited a vision, a vision of dignity, security, and prosperity for the people of Rivers State.

    “That vision, formalised through an MoU, a Joint Venture Agreement, and a Certificate of Occupancy, has today materialised into the delivery of the first one thousand homes.”

    Njie expressed appreciation to the governor for his unwavering support and leadership, saying he created the enabling environment to actualise the project.

    Addressing the governor, Njie said, “Your Excellency, on behalf of TAF Africa Global Limited and Greater TAF Nigeria Limited, I extend our deepest gratitude. The enabling environment created by your administration has been the foundation of this achievement.

    “You championed this partnership, and today we are not merely handing over houses; we are fulfilling a promise made to the people of Rivers State.”

    He also commended the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority for its consistent collaboration, describing the project as a model of what could be achieved when public and private sectors worked together with a shared commitment to the public good.

    Addressing the host community, Mr. Njie acknowledged their cooperation and goodwill, describing them as the heartbeat of the project.

    He said, “To the host community of Greater TAF City, thank you for your warmth, trust, and belief in this project. You are not just hosts; you are the heartbeat of this new city. We remain committed to shared prosperity, peace, and continued partnership.”

    He praised the dedication of the Board, management, and staff of TAF Africa Global, Greater TAF Nigeria, and Pricewise Homes Limited, with special recognition of Executive Directors Datubo Pepple and Zubi Arguba.

     Njie also acknowledged contractors, subcontractors, and technical partners for their professionalism and craftsmanship, as well as clients and homeowners for entrusting the company with their dream of homeownership.

    He attributed the achievements directly to the governor’s leadership and policy, saying that the accolades reflected what was possible when visionary governance aligned with committed private-sector partners.

    He said, “Today, we lay not just bricks and mortar, but the foundation for thousands more homes, thriving businesses, empowered families, and a lasting legacy of sustainable development.

    “We are honoured to walk this journey with you, Your Excellency, as we advance toward TAF Africa Global’s vision of delivering one million homes across Africa.”

  • Fubara: I’m APC leader in Rivers; my registration number is 001

    Fubara: I’m APC leader in Rivers; my registration number is 001

    • APC caught elephant in governor, says Keyamo

    Rivers governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday received the All Progressives Congress (APC) membership card declaring himself the leader of the party in the state.

    Fubara defected to the ruling APC on Tuesday. The governor’s defection came hours after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He explained that his decision to defect to the APC was to enable him to offer “full support” to President Tinubu.

    Fubara announced his leadership position in the APC  in the state while  inaugurating   the Igwuruta-Airport Road and flagging off the  Bypass  to Airport and Tollgate. His words: “I am not just a member of the All Progressives Congress, I am the number 1. I have collected my membership card and it is 001. From this moment, it is no longer an issue of to be or not, I am there with all my chest and heart. What is the message?

    “The message is clear. We are going to do everything to make sure that 2027 election for Mr. President would be a smooth ride in Rivers State. It is with all of you here and your support that we can do it.

    “The only way we can continue to tell Mr President thank you is to support him. So take note that as you are leaving here we have started our work and we are not relenting. We will join forces with every group that is in support of the cause of Mr. President.

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    “I thank you again and the community and assure you that no matter what it is, we will continue to do what will uplift the face of Rivers State. We won’t join anything that will bring negative news to Rivers State. That should be the message to all of you that is my supporters. Continue with those things that will bring pride and honour to our dear State.”

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo (SAN), who inaugurated the projects, said the APC caught an elephant in the Southsouth following the decision of the Fubara to join the party.

    Kayemo said: “I won’t conclude without warmly welcoming the latest catch in APC. We set a trap to catch a frog, but we caught an elephant in the person of Sir Siminalayi Fubara.”

    Keyamo hailed President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s strategic leadership that had made the APC attractive to the Southsouth.

    He said: “As a true son of the Southsouth may I say that we want to thank Mr President. I cannot leave here without thanking Mr President for all he has done for the people of Rivers State and the people of Southsouth.

    “It has never been this good for the Southsouth. We started from zero in 2015, now we are six over six in the Southsouth for the ruling party. Traditionally, Rivers State has never been in opposition so what we have from 2015 to this time was even an aberration.

    “From time Rivers State has always aligned with the centre for the progress and good of the people of Rivers State. I want to thank Mr President for the bold reforms he has done that have attracted many people to the ruling party”.

  • APC caught Elephant in Fubara, says Keyamo

    APC caught Elephant in Fubara, says Keyamo

    • …Minister inaugurates, flags off roads in Rivers
    • …We will join forces to deliver Tinubu in 2027, says governor

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo (SAN), has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) caught an elephant in the south-south following the decision of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to join the party.

    Keyamo spoke in Rivers State while inaugurating the Igwuruta-Airport Road constructed by Fubara and flagging off the bypass to the Airport and Tollgate initiated by the governor.

    Kayemo said, “I won’t conclude without warmly welcoming the latest catch in APC. We set a trap to catch a frog, but we caught an elephant in the person of Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

    While welcoming the governor to the party, he described it as a big family and the largest in Africa. Keyamo said he was on the ground to witness the presentation of the APC membership card to the governor.

    Keyamo hailed President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s strategic leadership that had made the APC attractive to the South-South.

    He said, “As a true son of the South-south, may I say that we want to thank Mr President. I cannot leave here without thanking Mr President for all he has done for the people of Rivers State and the people of South-south.

    “It has never been this good for the South-south. We started from zero in 2015, now we are six over six in the South-south for the ruling party. Traditionally, Rivers State has never been in opposition, so what we have from 2015 to this time was even an aberration.

    “From time to time, Rivers State has always aligned with the centre for the progress and good of the people of Rivers State. I want to thank Mr President for the bold reforms he has made that have attracted many people to the ruling party.”

    Keyamo said with the flag off and inauguration of roads, Governor Fubara had solved one of the biggest headaches in the aviation industry.

    He said, “It has always been first our headache that the road leading to the Port Harcourt Airport once branch off the highway, that road has been in a deplorable condition and we had always wanted to give that road a facelift so that those who arrived Port Harcourt which is one of our oldest International Airports will have a good view of the city and a good impression when they are driving into the city.

    “But it looks like Rivers State has more money than us. We have been pleading with the governor to help us pave the road. When we leave here, the world will see that you have done it for us. That is the first problem you solved for us.

    “The second problem is our dear brothers and sisters from this community. I apologize most profusely for any perceived wrongs that we, as the Federal Airport Authority and the Aviation Ministry, have done to them.

    “Any perceived neglect, we apologize. We know you are our host here, and we should pay more attention to you. We have done some, but we can always do more, and the governor has come to our rescue

    “We take note of all the protests you have sent to us, and we have always asked ourselves what we can do more for this community. So when I cried to the governor, he responded with swiftness.

    “The response of the governor and the passion he has for the people of this community is unmatched. I remembered the day they protested here last year, and I got a call from the governor. I called the MD, FAAN, and he said the community is protesting one thing or the other.

    “As we were thinking of how to solve the problem, the governor, on his own, called the community and doused the tension for us. We thank you, sir, for that act of statemanship that you displayed. Before I knew it, he started providing some of the succour for this community on our behalf.

    “Today, we thank God that we are received here with warmth by the community. We have been received with love and friendliness, and I assure you that we will reciprocate.”

    Keyamo said the road, when completed, would open up a whole new corridor to the airport and to the community, adding that the gesture would lead to more commercial activities and buildings in the area.

    In his remarks, Fubara said he was happy to receive the APC membership card, declaring himself the 001 of the party in the state.

    He said, “I am not just a member of the All Progressive Congress, I am the number 1. I have collected my membership Card, and it is 001. From this moment, it is no longer an issue of to be or not, I am there with all my heart. What is the message?

    “The message is clear. We are going to do everything to make sure that the 2027 election for Mr. President would be a smooth ride in Rivers State. It is with all of you here and your support that we can do it.

    “The only way we can continue to tell Mr President thank you is to support him. So take note that as you are leaving here, we have started our work and we are not relenting. We will join forces with every group that is in support of the cause of Mr. President.

    “I thank you again and the community and assure you that no matter what it is, we will continue to do what will uplift the face of Rivers State. We won’t join anything that will bring negative news to Rivers State. That should be the message to all of you, that is, my supporters. Continue with those things that will bring pride and honour to our dear State.”

    Commenting on the projects, the governor said about a year ago, the community went on a protest and blocked the Airport entrance, adding that his government had been looking for a way to resolve the challenges.

    Fubara desceibed the last year’s protest by the community as embarrassing, especially as it coincided with the period the state was undergoing political turbulence.

    On how his government resolved the problems, he said: “You can imagine blocking the airport, the interpretation was the government was not doing anything. So we moved in and invited the community.

    “They demanded employment, which wasn’t within our powers, but we promised to talk with the Aviation authorities. They also demanded healthcare, and I immediately directed that the Health Center in the community be activated, and today it is working. They also demanded electricity, and we also did that for the community.

    ‘On our return, we looked for a way to solve this problem. Business activities were shut down in Rivers State that day. It wasn’t a good thing. How would people coming to invest in Rivers State feel? At the slightest of provocation, my people will block the way to the airport. I said we need to look for a permanent solution to this problem

    “So, what we are doing here today is to create a bypass through which the community can access their place without interfering with the airport. It is not even healthy to be passing through the airport to your communities. So we have resolved this issue for you today. This road will lead to your communities and bring development.”

    Fubara said his government was happy that the community and the Minister of Aviation, including the airport authority, gave him the necessary support.

    He said the road would bring a lot of development to this community, make life easy, and improve commercial activities as he thanked the people for supporting his government.

    The governor emphasised on the need to assist President Tinubu in resolving federal issues in the states.

    He said, “We can’t leave all those responsibilities in the hands of the Minister and Mr. President. It is a joint thing, so we took it upon ourselves to give a facelift to the driveways around the airport.

    “I can proudly say that anyone who comes into Port Harcourt today feels that sense of seriousness and sees the beauty of the State, which reflects from its entrance. I am happy it wasn’t just conceived for personal purposes but for the good of Rivers State. That particular project within the airport, Igwuruta to the roundabout, is 12.2km, and happy to say that we delivered it.

    “This particular one we are starting today is 7.1km. So you can imagine what we are doing within this axis, which is over 19.3km of road as our investment in the lives of the people of Ipo and Igwuruta communities.”

    Promising that the project would be delivered within eight months, he said, “As soon as this road is completed and put to use, you no longer have any business with the old road. The old road will be tolled.

    “There will be a toll-gate at the entrance of the old road to the Airport. I believe if you don’t have any serious business in the Airport, you won’t go there. If you are coming to the village, you use the bypass.

  • BREAKING: Rivers APC issues membership card to Fubara

    BREAKING: Rivers APC issues membership card to Fubara

    The Tony Okocha-led All Progressives Congress (APC) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has officially issued a membership card to the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

    Fubara went through the documentation process on Friday to become a member of the party, few days after he announced his defection to the APC.

    Read Also: Rivers won’t progress amid disagreement, says Fubara

    Okocha, who led the executive committee of the party in the state presented the card to Fubara during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who was in the state for project inauguration and flag-off witnessed the registration process.

     Details shortly…