Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed heartfelt appreciation to the people of Rivers State for their steadfast trust in his administration and their commitment to upholding the truth.
During the commissioning of the third fire service station within a week, Governor Fubara reiterated his commitment to making decisions that serve the best interests of the state.
He stressed that the primary responsibility of any government is to safeguard lives and property, assuring the people that his administration remains unwavering in its efforts to fulfill this mandate.
“We can feel your support here. I want to also appreciate the support of the good people of Rivers State, who kept believing in us. We know that your trust is the right thing, and that you are standing on the side of truth. I want to assure you that we will continue to do what is right to make life better and advance the State.”
The Governor assured the people that with the improved status, the Fire Service Station at Rumuodumaya will offer prompt response to combating fire emergencies in order to safeguard lives and the property of residents in Obio/Akpor and environs.
The Governor said he feels so excited to showcase to the world the third Fire Service Station that has been unveiled within the past few days and initiated to make living safer for Rivers people.
Governor Fubara said: “I feel very happy again to stand before you to showcase, again, one of the things that we have done to show that the interest of our people is most important in our administration. There is nothing I want to say now that I have not said before. When we unveiled the remodelled Headquarters of the Rivers State Fire Service, I did inform you that we have two sub-stations that are attached to that. The Borokiri sub-station that we unveiled yesterday, and this particular one that we are unveiling today. The essence of this project, you already know. We have to safeguard lives of our people and the property of every citizen of Rivers State, which is the primary function of governance.”
Inaugurating the project, the Special Guest and key stakeholder from Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, commended the Governor for executing people-oriented projects despite the ongoing political crisis in the state.
He further assured that the people would stand firm in protecting democracy and supporting the Governor’s administration.
Woko, who is from the same Local Government Area as the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, appealed that Fubara, from the Opobo, the Ijaws extraction should be allowed to complete his tenure.
He said the Ikwerres are grateful to Rivers people who supported them to serve as governors for 16 unbroken years, stressing that it is only proper that Ikwerre people support other tribes, particularly Governor Fubara, to serve his tenure without truncating it.
He said, “Equity and fair play demand that we allow our Ijaw Ethnic Group to serve out their tenure. Be rest assured, Your Excellency, that you have the support of the Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality. I want to use this opportunity to call on every reasonable Rivers son and daughter to know, there should be an end to every conflict. Rivers State has been, always, in the news for negative reasons, and we condemn that.”
He also urged political actors to draw lessons from other states that have experienced smooth governance transitions, with particular reference to Lagos for quickly resolving their political differences in the State Assembly.
“We should borrow a leaf from our sister states, like Lagos. The Governors are ruling and governing their people. There is no friction anywhere. Yes, in human relations, there may be room for friction, there may be room for quarrels, but the most important thing is to put the state first. No personal interest should override that of the collective interest of the state.”
He appreciated the Rivers State Government for revamping the fire station after 13 years.
He said a state without a functional fire service station is partially a failed state, because its citizens will only rely on the mercy of God to combat fire incidences.
Woko, who noted that the project will serve to secure lives and property within Rumuodomaya Community and environs, thanked Governor Fubara for demonstrating genuine love to Ikwerre people in particular and Rivers people in general.
He said, “We thank you for continuing governance without minding distractions all over. It’s even very important to know that in the heat of the crisis, you are still going about commissioning projects. There are projects lined up for two weeks. You have come to serve Rivers State and be rest assured that Rivers people will protect this democracy and protect you. There is no pretense about it: the love is organic, and we will make sure we continue to support you.”
Providing the project description, Rivers State Commissioner for Duties, Dr Samuel Anya, said the Rumuodomaya Fire Service Sub-Station was abandoned shortly after it was built by the administration of Chibuike Amaechi, explaining how Governor Fubara ensured the sub-station became functional with the structures rehabilitated, providing 54 offices, staff quarters, brand new fire trucks, and water tank of 45,000 litres.