By Atonyesia Dimieari-Peterside
What premiered as the special gathering of critical stakeholders of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, on the need to harness her vast human resource towards the 2023 governorship election, culminated in the election of Sir Siminalayi Fubara as the Party’s standard bearer after the primary election that took place at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt.
The mass appeal enjoyed by Sir Siminalayi Fubara within the PDP was replicated by the electorate in Rivers State with the overwhelming victory recorded at the gubernatorial election. For the first time in the history of governorship elections in Rivers State, all the local government areas spoke in one loud voice: “NA SIM WE WANT.”
Following his inauguration as Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, has shown his untainted love for Rivers State and commitment to vigorously pursue the ideals that would always make the State a cynosure of all eyes and a reference point for policy and human resource inclusivity.
Always driven by his campaign theme of continuity and consolidation of the New Rivers Vision, the administration of Sir Siminalayi Fubara is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that no on-going project bequeathed by the previous administration was left unattended to.
In that wise, the governor has consistently been carrying out unscheduled on-the-spot assessment of on-going projects in various local government areas of the State.
Speaking to newsmen after an inspection tour of some projects, the governor hinted that about sixteen projects would be commissioned. This is, by all calculations, no mean feat, and highly commendable.
Going by their high level state of completion, some of the projects that would be served on the plate for commissioning during the 100 days in office ceremony are the internal roads in Eneka, Omagwa, and Ogbakiri as well as the reconstructed Government Secondary School, Okehi, Government Secondary, Emohua, as well as the Ultra modern Convocation Arena of the University of Port-Harcourt.
Besides these projects, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has ensured that the security of lives and property of people in Rivers State is given premium attention.
Little wonder the governor has tasked the security agencies in the State to be at their best in this onerous assignment, while assuring them of his administration’s resolve in providing all the needed tools and necessary assistance for desired results.
The outcome of this charge is the increased crackdown on agents of criminality in the State. Apart from pockets of incidences in parts of Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor and Emohua local government areas, there is appreciable zero record of crimes in other areas.
Not unmindful of some extreme challenges security officers face in the line of duty, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, during the period under review, through the Secretary to the State Government, presented a cheque of N20 million to family of late Inspector Collins David of Ahoada Division, who was slain in the course of duty.
While reiterating the importance of life over money, the state government stated that, “We understand money cannot replace a life but it is a way of showing support to the men and officers who serve in Rivers State.”
This, to say the least, remains a practical demonstration of empathy in leadership.
His Excellency’s prompt response to the outcry of female students of the Rivers State University, Nkpolu Oroworukwo, whose hostels were attacked recently is also a testimonial to the governor’s empathetic disposition in leadership.
While the euphoria amongst commutters and, especially Civil Servants in the State, were yet to settle down on the governor’s prompt introduction of free mass transit buses to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, in his usual simple style, jolted public school teachers in the state with increased salary scale, effect August.
When human face is brought into leadership and management of human and material resources, the society becomes better for it. These first 100 days in office of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, signpost a greater Rivers State.
_Atonyesia Dimieari-Peterside, a public affairs commentator, writes from Port Harcourt
