According to Abia Governor Otti, the political crisis cannot distract Rivers Governor Fubara from his service to the people
Rivers Governor Fubara claims he inherited a massive debt burden from his predecessor Wike’s administration.
Dr. Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State, has advised Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara not to be sidetracked by the state’s continuing political crises, but rather to focus on improving in the interests and welfare of Rivers people.
This came as Fubara acknowledged that a massive debt load had been left behind for his government to clear with multiple contractors who worked on various projects during the previous administration.
Otti, who spoke at the inauguration of the restored 10.89KM Aleto-Ogale-Ebubu-Eteo Road in Eleme Local Government Area, praised the Rivers State governor for remembering to complete a road project in the Eleme community, where he had previously lived.
Governor Otti stated, “I have always emphasised that leadership is about service. Anytime leadership leaves from service, you are doing anything wrong. Service should be for the people, not for oneself or a small group of interests. When you serve a small number of people rather than the majority, you should reflect on yourself.
So, for me, it’s all about effective government. Clearly, Governor Fubara arrived prepared, and I do not believe that any diversion will divert his attention away from enhancing the welfare and interests of the citizens.
“So, I can promise you, Rivers people, that the benefits of democracy you are witnessing today are still a dress rehearsal. It’s early in the morning, and I’m confident you’ll see more in the near future.”
The Abia State governor urged Eleme and the people of Rivers State to continue to support the Governor of the State in doing even more to make life easier for the majority.
He emphasised that regardless of how the dice is flipped, “Power belongs to God; no human can arrogate to himself the capacity to offer power, unless you have the potential to give life.
Of sure, you may take life but not give it. Speaking on current projects in the state, Governor Fubara underlined how perplexing the debt owed to contractors was, given the public perception of a clean balance sheet maintained with contractors.
He stated, “This is to inform the world that if there is one issue that this administration faces, it is the massive debt burden. The contractors are requesting balance payments on the majority of the projects that have been commissioned, which total billions of dollars. “I have stated that I do not wish to talk.
I do not want to speak because I was a member of the system. However, if you continue to press me to speak, I will do so so that the public is aware of the genuine situation and is fully informed.”
Governor Fubara expressed satisfaction at the beginning of the commemoration of his One Year in Office Anniversary with the inauguration of a road project in Eleme, where he lived when he started.
The Governor indicated that the road was given to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) on August 14, 2023, for N6.7 billion.
He stated that the completed project now serves as proof that his administration is still committed to providing development to the people, despite the numerous challenges it faces. “
This project was given for N6.7 billion, and I can confidently declare that no kobo remains. We have paid the contractor the whole payment. Our purpose in convening here is to inform our people that their problem is our problem.”
Governor Fubara emphasised the importance of the road, stating that it is a bypass for motorists to use to avoid the deplorable sections of the East-West Road that are currently being rebuilt, as well as a support for the Federal Government’s efforts to give Nigerians hope and improve their lives.
Governor Fubara stated, “Is what we are doing now not beneficial to the federal government? Isn’t it clear that this government has the people’s best interests at heart, and that it is supporting and doing everything it can to help the federal government succeed?