ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara announced that his administration inherited 34 uncompleted projects valued at over N225.279 billion.Ā
Additionally, he disclosed the awarding of nine new road projects totaling N534.332 billion.
Speaking during the presentation of an account of stewardship and scorecard marking his first year in office in Port Harcourt, Fubara highlighted the severe political crisis his administration faced, describing it as “vicious.”Ā
He stated, “We started this journey with a bang. We were focused. We were determined to make the change we promised with a sense of urgency. But then, somehow, we suddenly found ourselves in the cesspit of crisis barely three months into our tenure.Ā
“It was not just an ordinary political crisis. It was a vicious existential crisis. But thank goodness, the worst is over. We have successfully defended our rights and opportunity to govern our State and advance its progress in freedom, and we will continue to prevail.”
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Fubara affirmed his commitment to prioritizing the interests of Rivers State and ensuring the people receive the dividends of democracy.
He emphasized: “For us, any government worth its name must be accountable, responsive, and responsible for the security and well-being of the people.Ā
“Having managed the affairs of our state for one year, including dispensing public resources, it is only a good idea that we render account with a public presentation of our performance record.Ā
“I am, therefore, pleased to stand before you to present our Scorecard for the first year we have been in office as the Executive arm of the Government of Rivers State.”
Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, Fubara noted the significant improvements despite the economic challenges inherited.
He highlighted the increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from N12 billion to between N17 billion in off-peak periods and N28 billion during peak months.
“Our liberalised business-friendly economic policies and programmes are boosting confidence and attracting local and international investors and investments into the State, judging by the expression of interest offers we receive every month.Ā
“We have kept our taxes low, frozen the imposing of taxes on small businesses across the State, and increased the ease of doing business in the State by eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks.Ā
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“No request for the signing of a certificate of occupancy remains in my office beyond two days, except if I am otherwise engaged beyond two days or out of town”, the governor said.Ā
Fubara also mentioned the establishment of a N4 billion matching fund with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to support micro, small, and medium-sized businesses.
He stated, “Over 3,000 citizens and residents have applied to access this loan to fund their businesses at a single-digit interest rate, and a repayment period of up to five years.”
Addressing the uncompleted projects he inherited, Fubara said, “I wish to emphasize that with a combined cost of N528.6 billion, the 50.15 kilometers Port Harcourt dual-carriage Ring Road, the dualisation of Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road and the Trans-Kalabari Road projects are the three most ambitious road projects ever carried out by any Governor in Rivers State.”Ā
He added that the Port Harcourt Ring Road project was progressing rapidly with 77 per cent down payment made to the contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
The governor assured that construction work was ongoing for other projects, including the 33.5-kilometer Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road, awarded to Craneburge Construction Company with a down payment of 50 percent of the contract sum and a 24-month completion timeline.
Chairman of the occasion, John Mbata, emphasized the importance of democracy in serving the people, stating, “Popular sovereignty principle connotes the fact that power belongs to the people. It is the people that leaders are called upon to serve.Ā
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“The people play the role of choosing their leaders through regular and periodic elections, and also the people have the mandate to renew or refuse to renew the mandate periodically.”
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tammy Danagogo, praised Governor Fubara as a “quiet and noiseless revolutionary” leader, adding, “Over the past year, what has been going on in Rivers State is what I will call a quiet and noiseless revolution.Ā
“His Excellency has been working very assiduously, performing very excellently, and without noise, daring and achieving what is seemingly impossible.”