From TINA STEPHEN, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, that her hometown, Akabuka, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, will benefit from his administration’s development agenda.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance during a grand reception held in honour of Prof. Odu at the Government Secondary School, Akabuka, recently.
Responding to concerns raised by the deputy governor about complaints from her kinsmen over the neglect of Akabuka, Governor Fubara said his administration prioritised peace as the foundation for development.
He explained that no meaningful project could be executed in an atmosphere of crisis, noting that the first two years of his tenure were marked by political challenges.
He apologised to his deputy for the criticisms she had faced, promising that the government would soon commence the assessment of internal roads in Akabuka, as well as the renovation of the Government Secondary School.
“I can assure you, as your governor, that once we leave here, the processes for assessing the internal roads will begin immediately, while the Ministry of Education will assess the school to determine what needs to be done,” Fubara stated.
The governor appealed to residents to maintain peace, saying it was the only way to sustain progress.
“Two years ago, if we had come here, some people would not have been present. But today, they are here. This means peace has returned to Rivers State,” he said.
Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, for being instrumental in his and Prof. Odu’s emergence as governor and deputy governor, promising not to take the privilege for granted.
He also commended traditional rulers, youth and women for their roles in fostering peace, assuring that his administration would continue to work in unity with the deputy governor and accord her due respect.
In her remarks, Prof. Odu thanked Governor Fubara for honouring her community with his presence, describing the event as a historic moment for the people of Akabuka.
She acknowledged those who played key roles in her emergence, including former Governor Peter Odili, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Ambassador Desmond Akawor and Chief Ferdinand Anabraba.
The deputy governor disclosed that she had often been mocked for not attracting projects to her community, particularly due to the poor state of the Government Secondary School, which was last renovated 20 years ago.
She, however, expressed optimism that the governor’s visit would mark a turning point for Akabuka.
Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Jason Osai, lauded Governor Fubara for being an icon of peace and described Prof. Odu as a role model whose leadership continued to inspire the Orashi region and the entire state.