…Praises Fubara’s ‘Transformative’ Governance
By Ken Asinobi
Residents of Rumuokania II New Layout in the Ada George axis of Port Harcourt have commended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for the completion of a major internal road project that has significantly improved mobility and revived economic activities in their once flood-prone community.
Speaking during a press briefing on Saturday, the Rumuokania II New Layout Landlords Association described the construction of the Rumuoke/Pipeline Internal Roads as “a life-changing intervention,” noting that it has brought relief to thousands of residents who previously endured years of impassable roads and devastating floods.
The roads—built by Monier Construction Company (MCC)—connect Okilton Junction off Ada George Road to several adjoining avenues, including Road 9, 2nd & 3rd Avenues, Road 10, and Pipeline Road leading up to the canal. According to the association, these once-dilapidated links had trapped residents indoors during the rainy season, crippled businesses, and left the community in a perpetual state of distress.
But with the new infrastructure in place, the landlords say the area has witnessed a dramatic turnaround. Traffic now flows smoothly, businesses are reopening, and daily life has regained the sense of normalcy many had long given up on.
“It is not just a road project—it is a restoration of hope,” said Pastor Joel Gbandi, chairman of the association. “We are deeply grateful to His Excellency for the visible transformation happening across Rivers State. Our community is a beneficiary of that purposeful leadership.”
However, alongside the celebration came a note of urgency.
The association warned that a severely blocked canal at the terminus of Pipeline Road poses a serious threat to the longevity of the newly constructed infrastructure. The canal, which drains water from more than ten communities— including Mgbraja, Ogbogoro, Egbelu, Elioparanwo, Mini-Orlu, Rumuokwachi, Ozuoba, Iwofe, and Rumuolumeni—has become heavily silted, causing water to back up onto the road during rainfall.
This overflow, they said, is already triggering erosion and endangering homes, motorists, and pedestrians in the area.
“We fear that if the canal is not urgently desilted, the millions spent on this road may soon come under threat,” warned the association’s secretary, Lucky Ashley Atiegoba. “Water is already beginning to push back onto the surface. We cannot allow this vital investment to be washed away.”
The landlords therefore appealed to the governor to order immediate desilting of the canal and to construct adjoining access roads to further enhance connectivity and protect the government’s infrastructural achievements.
Beyond the local concerns, the association applauded Governor Fubara for what they described as “transformative and peaceful governance,” crediting his calm leadership style for the prevailing political stability in the state.
“We remain thankful for the governor’s renewed vigour since the end of the six-month emergency rule,” they added. “His unassuming approach to service has brought peace and accelerated development.” The association pledged continued cooperation with the state government, expressing confidence that with timely intervention, the community will not only retain the benefits of the road project but also achieve greater resilience against future flooding.
