Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged his supporters to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, describing it as a collective responsibility ahead of the next general election.
The governor made the call on Thursday, December 18, 2025, during the inauguration of the Ogbakiri Roundabout–Ogbakiri Waterfront Road in Emohua Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Fubara disclosed that he recently held a strategic meeting with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), during which he assured party leaders of growing grassroots support for President Tinubu across Rivers State.
He described the President’s re-election as a major assignment and said mobilisation efforts had already commenced at the grassroots. According to him, the large turnout of residents at the road commissioning ceremony was evidence that significant progress had been made, noting that about 70 per cent of the mobilisation work in the area had been achieved.
“We know you are hardworking and that you enjoy organic support. What we need now is to channel this support towards the success of our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Fubara said. “What truly matters is having the right foot soldiers on ground.”
Speaking on the newly inaugurated road, the governor described the Ogbakiri project as a landmark achievement, recalling that it was initiated at one of the most challenging periods of his administration. He revealed that the first payment for the project was made when the state was under a court order restricting access to federal allocations.
Despite the challenges, Fubara said his administration remained committed to delivering on its promises, expressing confidence that perseverance and faith would prevail. He added that the completed road stands as proof of his government’s dedication to service delivery.
The governor also acknowledged requests from the Council of Chiefs, including the construction of internal roads and a proposed bridge to enhance transportation, security and commercial activities. He assured that the requests would be carefully reviewed and addressed after proper cost assessment.
Commending the host community, Fubara noted that peace and cooperation were critical to the successful execution of the project. He observed that Ogbakiri, once associated with frequent crises, has embraced peace, creating room for development.
He stressed that peace remains the foundation for sustainable development in Rivers State and urged residents to protect public institutions, including universities and other government facilities, noting that they exist for the benefit of the people.
Providing technical details, the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the road project, awarded in September 2024, spans 9.7 kilometres with a width of 7.3 metres. He added that it features solar-powered streetlights, 4.5 kilometres of reinforced concrete drainage, and reinforced concrete culverts at strategic locations.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, commended Governor Fubara for fulfilling his promise, describing the road as a major boost to mobility, economic activities and overall development in the area.
By Nzeuzor Jane and Maduadugwo Jane, Port-Harcourt
