Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has charged the newly sworn-in Commissioners that the focus of his administration is for all to join in helping the nation progress by curbing the issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation to increase revenue generation.
Gov. Fubara gave the charge at the swearing in of four new commissioners at the Executive Council Chamber of Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
The governor elaborated that the only way the national allocation can increase which also translates to improved revenue for the State is curbing the menace of pipeline vandalism to increase oil production, stressing that peace is an important ingredient for development.
“I said last night that what should be the most important thing about Rivers State today is to support the progress of this country. We are in a situation where the funds that are being generated from oil production are not sufficient to tackle the problems of Nigeria and every hand must be on deck to make sure that there is an increase in oil production.”
“This is the only way the allocations will increase and more money will also come to our State and more progress will be achieved in this State.”
The governor said a lot has been done by his administration but because of the distractions people seem not to see the impacts but assured of a day of showcasing the valuable accomplishments of his administration to Rivers people in due time.
He charged the newly sworn-in Commissioners to work for the collective interest of the State rather than their local government areas, expressing confidence in their ability to contribute their quota towards the upliftment of the State.
“Coming into the Executive Council is not because we are using it to balance and the only balance you are coming to give us here is for your LGA. We want you to work for the State realizing that your responsibility at this time is to the State and not your LGA anymore. But we are happy to have you and we believe that you are going to contribute to the success of this administration.”
The governor said he was right when he raised the red flag on the plot of detractors to cause mayhem in some local government areas after swearing in the elected chairmen, but promised to in conjunction with the security agencies unravel the arsonists and bring them to justice.
“We want to let the State know that what has happened after the election, we are not going to allow it uninvestigated. It has happened before and after some weeks, some of our supporters were declared wanted to turn the story against us, but this time I strongly believe with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Police and DSS we will unravel those behind the arson and make sure that they account for their atrocities.”
He commended the calm disposition of Rivers people and his supporters in not responding to the unwarranted provocation, maintaining that the people will be the greatest loser hence the insistence on peace, asserting that he won’t encourage anyone to be violent.
“When I was inaugurating the local council chairmen here, I did mention that I had intelligence reports that there was a plot to cause mayhem in some LGAs. I said it before it happened. I knew because they were unhappy they will go the extra length to cause disaffection in the minds of the good people of Rivers State. But I appreciate your calmness, I have always maintained we are going to be the greatest loser, we need to be peaceful. I won’t encourage any of you to follow them with violence. We are carrying a basket of precious eggs on our heads, so we need to follow them with carefulness and wisdom.”
The four newly sworn-in Commissioners and their portfolios are Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, (Culture & Tourism), Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi, (Physical Planning & Urban Development), Barr. Otamiri John Ngubo, (Commerce & Industry) and Hon. Benibo Anabraba, (Lands & Survey).
