Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has vowed to frustrate anyone or any group attempting to disrupt governance in Rivers State.
The governor expressed confidence that with the strong, organic support of former governors Dr. Peter Odili and Celestine Omehia, other top politicians, and the masses, no detractor would stand in the way of the state government achieving the ambitious strides it has set for itself.
Fubara also criticised the opposition for lacking a strong presence in Rivers politics.
He gave this assurance while addressing Rivers people at the 2025 New Year State Banquet held at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday night.
Fubara assured that, with the strong support of the pillars and frontiers of the political class and leaders, particularly those who built the foundational structures of Rivers politics, his administration would not allow any detractor or shenanigan to take the State and its people for granted.
The governor said, “This year, we will ensure we protect the integrity of this State at all costs. We won’t allow anybody to take this State for a ride. It doesn’t matter the approach I will use. It’s not going to be a fight. We will follow the issues, as we did with the case when they (detractors) started begging. Nothing will stop us from achieving the purpose of governance in this State.
“We are not bothered about what they (opposition) will come with. God will always have a way to save us from them. They are going to come, but we are not worried. We are equal to the task. I honestly thank our leaders—Dr. Peter Odili, Sir Celestine Omehia, Sen. John Azuta Mbata, Sir Austin Opara, Prince Uche Secondus, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, and others—for the organic support you are giving to our government.
“A lot of people may not understand what is really happening. This is not to say we did not have people who were with us, following us, and fighting. But one of the troubles they (detractors) have today is that they do not have any strong presence in Rivers politics. The beginning and the end of politics in this State is Dr. Peter Odili. And if he is sitting with us here, along with these other persons, who do they have with them?
“Dr. Odili is the right face and image of our State. These are the frontiers of Rivers State politics. Men and women who have distinguished themselves are sitting with us here. People who have contributed in several ways to make Rivers State what it is, not rented people brought for dinner.”
Reflecting on 2024, Fubara described it as a challenging yet rewarding year, noting that the state overcame obstacles to achieve significant milestones.
He assured that 2025 would build on those successes, with his administration focusing on raising standards in governance and maintaining its “Rivers First” policy.
The governor noted plans to commission various projects across sectors, including education, health, and emergency services, by February.
He reiterated his administration’s determination to sustain the Rivers First policy, stressing, “We will continue to protect the lives of our people and provide the required services in our State. We are not going to lower our guard. Rather, we will raise the bar because what is speaking for us today is the achievements we are making in the face of obvious distractions.
“Raising the bar will be our way of telling the world that no matter what is happening here, we mean well for the State and know what we are doing. It is not going to be easy, I know. God, at times, keeps evil people alive to continue their evil, not because He doesn’t know what to do, but because the activities of evil people also keep righteous people awake.”
Fubara commended everyone in the State for their organic support and solicited more support in 2025, emphasizing, “We are not going to do it alone because we have not made these gains alone. Whatever wins we scored today, it is not me alone but the government and the support received from every one of you. I cannot pay you back for doing what is right for your State. It is our State, and at the end of the day, we are building a better future for those who will take over after us. That is my dream for the State.”
He noted that it is not just about power or what is done today but about sustaining a self-preserving system that everyone can stand on and be proud of, saying, “I strongly believe that because of our desire to build—not our private supermarkets or hotels—but to build a resilient State, there is no way we will not succeed because our interest is not for self but for the collective interest of our people.”
The governor assured that 2025 would be a year of all-round achievements, announcing that by February, his administration would embark on the commissioning of projects in various sectors.
“This time around, not roads. Our Fire Service—you can see what we are doing there. For over nine years, there was no functional Fire Service, but today, I can proudly tell you that we have bought all the vehicles, and we are remodelling the offices.” he added. “Education is the only instrument that can help our youths avoid criminality and crime. Our State is behind in education, as our primary schools are shadows of themselves. You can see the provisions we made in our budget, and we are making sure education is given the required attention in this State.
“We have done much on health, but we are going to spend more because you have to be alive to work. We are doing what we know is right and making decisions that you can stand anywhere after our administration and defend as correct. Nothing will stop us from achieving the purpose of governance in this State,”
In his welcome remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, described the previous year as wonderful and commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his focus and role as an emancipator of the State.
He noted that despite the antics of detractors, their attempts to distract the government would continue to fail.
While proposing a toast for the New Year, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, the member representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, praised Fubara’s leadership qualities as a testament to the administration’s success.
He prayed for the peace, unity, and prosperity of the State and urged the “prodigals” to return home to contribute to rebuilding the Treasure Base of the Nation for future generations.
