By Deborah Nnamdi with Agency Report
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara on Monday, said that his administration would emerge stronger, despite the ensuing political circumstances in the state.
Fubara remarked at the inauguration of a palace and residential quarters of the Paramount Ruler of Akpor Kingdom, Eze Levi Oriebe, built by his administration.
Fubara stated that it’s historic to have delivered a befitting palace for the Akpor Kingdom, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, in Rivers, being the first in over 200 years of its existence.
He explained that the palace was built within six months after it was awarded for construction, instead of the 10-month agreement with the contractor.
Fubara stated that the project was borne out of the response to a request made by the Akpor community during the flag-off of the reconstruction of the Okania-Ogbogoro Road project.
He said that his administration was focused on good governance and would not renege on the promise of delivering impactful, people-oriented, development projects.
According to the governor, our projects and our services will continue to be those that will touch the hearts, souls, and spirits of our people.
“And we will not, no matter the circumstances surrounding our situation, renege on that promise that we made to the good people of Rivers.
“Our concern for Rivers State is not our profit but its total well-being,” Fubara said.
He urged the people to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the overall interest of the state.
He also advised Rivers people not to be disheartened by recent turns of events in the state, but rather to cheer up.
Fubara urged the people to understand that ‘” God does not start a thing and end it halfway.’
He pointed out the ungodly motive of those who were pushing to disrupt governance by worsening the feisty political relationship.
He stated that his path would remain to ensure peace and warned against any act of lawlessness.
Fubara encouraged them to continue to follow his footsteps, and that his footsteps remain the path of peace.
The Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, Eze Chike Worlu-Wodo, while inaugurating the building, recalled that in past months, he benefitted from the administration of Gov. Fubara.
He said that a magnificent palace was built for the Apara Kingdom, adding that the present government understood that traditional rulers were closest to the people.
“Traditional rulers play vital roles in maintaining peace and orderliness in the communities, and by so doing, they simplify governance at the state level.
“My friend and colleague from Calabar once said that respect for traditional rulers and elders shows a good upbringing; our governor has a good upbringing,” he stated.
He commended Fubara for recognizing the traditional rulers and giving them a befitting palace in the state.
He said that he was happy to witness the display of goodwill, respect, and good intentions for the traditional institution.
‘’Your Excellency, you have done well, and I must say, we are all proud of you,” he said.
Worlu-Wodo acknowledged the numerous developmental projects executed by Fubara’s administration across the state and urged him not to be worried by recent political developments in the state.
The Rivers Commissioner for Special Projects, Dr Rowland Obed-Whyte, said the construction was awarded in August 2024, and the work was completed in six months.
He added that the palace complex was on a land space of 9,000 square meters, with electric perimeter fencing.
The palace is a duplex building with two wings; the right-wing has a guest room for the king, a 120-person sitting capacity multipurpose hall, a 50-person sitting capacity conference hall, offices, and public conveniences.
“The left wing has the royal ranch, bar, dining room, kitchen, and laundry; behind the palace is a royal garden, traditional meeting place (Obiri), royal car park, visitors’ lodge, water tank, and water fountain,” he described.
