The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, assured on Friday that there is no need for concern regarding the Appeal Court’s decision on the crisis in the State House of Assembly.
During an inspection of the reconstruction of the Zonal Hospital project in Bori Town, the headquarters of the Khana Local Government Area, the governor stated that he remains undeterred by the appellate court’s ruling on the assembly crisis.
“I want to assure every one of you and the good people of Rivers State, that we are not deterred. We have made our promises, we will continue to give you good governance, no matter how difficult it is,” he said.
Moving On
On Thursday, the Court of Appeal in Abuja overturned a Rivers High Court order that had barred Martin Amaewhule and 24 others from presenting themselves as lawmakers of the State Assembly.
A three-member panel of the appellate court, led by Jimi Olukayode-Bada, ruled that the trial court lacked jurisdiction over the case, which should only be heard by a Federal High Court.
However, Governor Fubara reassured that the worst is behind them and emphasized his commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State.
“But, like I said before, the worst is over. We are moving on to ensure that we continue to provide what is needed for the development of our state.
“I know that a lot of you will be wondering what is going on and all that. Government has its own challenges. If you go to the book of Psalm 23 verse 5, in the Bible, it said that God prepares a table before you; it can be before anybody. But there is an underlined word that should be noted here: it said ‘in the presence of your enemies’. So, it means that nothing comes easy.”
Campaign Promises
Acknowledging that every government faces challenges, Fubara stated that the current situation will not prevent him from fulfilling his campaign promises.
Fubara explained that his administration inherited non-functional Zonal Hospitals, and because they are committed to providing quality healthcare, funds were allocated about a month ago for the reconstruction and expansion of four zonal hospitals.
He also expressed satisfaction with the contractors, noting that they appear dedicated and aligned with the administration’s vision and goals, helping to fulfill the promises made to the people.
“You could remember that I did promise our people that one of the most important areas our budget for the year 2025 will focus on is healthcare, education and agriculture.
“As part of what we did promise our people in the year 2024, that all the Zonal Hospitals, we will do our best to ensure that they come up and are put to use, we are here to inspect the extent of work that is ongoing.
“When we met them (hospitals), their conditions were really bad. There was no accommodation for the medical officers, the doctors, the nurses, and we also added a mortuary to have a full package of what a hospital should be,” he added.
The governor assured that when completed and put to use, the facilities will meet the healthcare needs of the people within the catchment areas, and address key issues in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and policy objectives of his administration.
Fubara was accompanied on the inspection tour by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Ore; the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Victor Kii, while the Chairman, the Caretaker Committee of the Council, Marvin Yobana was on the ground to receive him and his team.