Rivers crisis: ‘Stand firm, we’re with you’, group urges Fubara

From Chris Eze, Port Harcourt

Amidst the political crises being orchestrated in Rivers State by the immediate past Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike and his followers, more groups are springing up and throwing their support behind Governor Sim Fubara.

The latest of such groups, Family Support Group on Wednesday paid a solidarity visit on the Governor in Government House, Port Harcourt urging him to stand firm and discountenance opposition to his administration.

Family Support Group is an assemblage of well-meaning Rivers youths, women and men drawn from the three Senatorial Districts and 23 local government areas, with the core aim of protecting, promoting and defending the interests of Rivers State.
In his address during the visit, the President General of Family Support Group, Mr Henry Abraham, recalled that during the 2023 elections, they were encouraged to vote and defend their votes because the process was violence-free and credible. 

“When we defend our votes, we will also defend the man we voted for. We are Family Support Group, Rivers State belongs to all of us. Rivers State is not a personal estate of one man, it’s for all Rivers people.

“Sir Siminalayi Fubara, stand firm. Family Support Group is with you. All the wards’ co-ordinators are with you. All the wards’ executives are with you. All the LGA coordinators are with you. All the officers of the National Executive Committee are with you. All our leaders are with you, and the PDP is with you,” he assured.

Receiving the group, Governor Fubara urged Rivers people not to panic and be rest assured of the determination of his Administration to protect lives and property of residents while improving the collective aspirations of the people.

Governor Fubara, who was represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, said that the Government is for the youths, women, men and every well-meaning Nigerian who wish the State well.

He assured that his Administration would not disappoint their expectations, but deliver good governance and quality services across all sectors.

Governor Fubara said it was gratifying to see such ebullient youths showing undying interest in Government, and willingness to defend their votes, and therefore, desired the tenure completed without interruption.

The Governor explained that so many development projects have been completed and opened for public use with many others like the Port Harcourt Ring Road still actively ongoing.

He specifically noted the readiness of the Administration to flag off construction of phase two of the real Trans-Kalabari Road from Port Harcourt through Tombia to other communities; and the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road. 

“The whole land of Rivers State stands in affirmation that we won the election fairly, and deserve to serve out our full tenure. There is not going to be anything that will cut short the popular mandate that you all gave to this Administration. 

“Just about within weeks of assuming office, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, flagged-off the Port Harcourt Ring Road project that will transverse six local governments. It will be completed within 36 months, but I think it will be completed before the time, because the progress of work we have seen is beyond what we were thinking. 

“The Trans-Kalabari Road, very soon, the official main Trans-Kalabari Road will start, and will begin from Port Harcourt. That road, a lot of plans have been done, very soon, you will see contractors on site, and Rivers State will be opened. 

“Just yesterday, you heard in the news also that the Governor has commenced the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.  That road was initially done with one lane, but now, he is going to dualise it. The Government has already awarded the contract.”

Governor Fubara emphasised that his Administration is pro-youth and pro-human beings, and determined to maintain that level of empathy and inclusivity that offers succour to the people.

“I, therefore, want to thank you for the promise you have made, and I want you to remain unshakable. Keep your word of defending him at all times.

“When you hear anything outside, be bold, defend the Governor, and tell the people the things you know about him. Tell them what you know he has done to develop the State and the people.”