Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to peace and development as he marks two years in office.
Speaking through a personally signed statement, the governor expressed appreciation for the overwhelming public support that has kept him focused amid recent political unrest.
Fubara called on residents and political actors to set aside past grievances and unite for the progress of the state. Despite political turbulence, he pledged to remain steadfast in delivering good governance and rebuilding Rivers into a stronger, more united state.
The statement, titled “Our Journey: Challenging but Progressive and Impactful”, was made available on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, to commemorate the anniversary of his inauguration on May 29, 2023.
“It’s been two years since I took the oath as the seventh democratically elected governor of Rivers State, following the overwhelming mandate you gave me during the March 2023 elections,” the governor said.
He thanked the people for entrusting him with leadership and acknowledged that, although the political atmosphere has been tense, his allegiance to Rivers State remains unshaken.
“The past two years have brought significant political shifts. Yet, through it all, I have stayed the course, guided by the oath I swore and a sincere commitment to prioritizing the welfare of Rivers people,” Fubara said.
While recognizing the challenges posed by political interference, the governor maintained that meaningful development has still been achieved.
He pointed to progress in key sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, human capital development, youth empowerment, and the involvement of women in governance.
“Though our journey has not been without obstacles, we’ve made tangible improvements that reflect our shared commitment to growth,” he noted.
Fubara credited these strides to the resilience and support of the people, whom he thanked for their contributions and sacrifices in the face of hardship.
“You have given me the courage to continue pushing forward, not to retreat. I remain determined to promote peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness as we chart a new course for Rivers,” he said.
He emphasized that unity and collaboration are essential to achieving long-term success, assuring the public that every policy decision will be guided by the best interests of the state and its people.
“As we take stock of the past two years, I remain hopeful for what lies ahead. Together, we can build a Rivers State that sets an example for the rest of the nation,” Fubara added.
Addressing lingering divisions caused by political strife, the governor extended a hand of reconciliation.
“To those still holding onto the bitterness of our political crisis, I urge you to look ahead. Let us come together, heal, and work toward our common goal of progress. The time to rebuild Rivers is now,” he concluded.