Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has stated that ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the State are beginning to yield positive results, emphasising that development can only take root in an environment of unity.
The governor made the remarks on Saturday during a civic reception held in honour of his Deputy, Ngozi Odu, at the Government Secondary School in the Akabuka community of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA).
Fubara noted he was encouraged by the increasing signs of unity and reconciliation across the state and urged citizens to fully embrace peace to ensure development projects can succeed.
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“We can’t develop in an environment of chaos. We can’t attract any project to Akabuka when there is a problem,” Fubara stated. “Our disposition has always been towards maintaining peace because it is the only way we can move forward.”
Reflecting on the political turmoil of the previous two years, the governor cited the return to normalcy as the opening of a new chapter for progress.
He highlighted that political figures who once avoided each other are now sharing the same public spaces, which he described as clear “evidence that peace has truly returned to the state.”
As a reward for the peaceful disposition of the community, Fubara announced immediate plans to commence the rehabilitation of internal roads and the renovation of Government Secondary School, Akabuka, the venue of the reception.
“As soon as we leave here, the process for assessing the internal roads will commence. The Ministry of Education will also inspect this school, and we will take prompt action,” he assured the gathering.
Fubara thanked the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, for the role he played in the governor’s emergence, assuring him that the support is not taken for granted.
He also commended traditional rulers, youths, women, and political stakeholders for their unity, peaceful conduct, and support for his deputy.
In her response, Odu described the reception as overwhelming and a testament to the peace, unity, and love within her community.
She expressed gratitude to Fubara, President Bola Tinubu, Wike, and former governor, Peter Odili, for their roles in her journey in public service.
Odu highlighted the community’s deep appreciation for the governor, pointing to cultural symbols displayed at the event, including a 21-cannon salute and the rare outing of the traditional performance known as Ebukele, which reportedly appears only once a decade.
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She praised Fubara as “a man of peace who talks less and acts more.”
The Chairman of the occasion, Jason Osai, described the deputy governor as a “delightful personality who has brought honour to Akabuka,” while the ONELGA Chairman, Shedrack Ogbogu, said the celebration marked the beginning of broader recognition for Odu in the local government area.
