Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has thanked residents for their continued support, saying the large crowds attending project commissioning ceremonies demonstrate their confidence in his administration.
Fubara spoke on Wednesday during the commissioning of the 14.5-kilometre Agba-Ndele-Abua/Odual Road and river-crossing bridge, linking communities in Emohua and Abua/Odual Local Government Areas.
The governor said the turnout at recent events had been overwhelming, noting that he might ordinarily have expected residents to distance themselves from his administration because of the political developments in the state.
Instead, he said their continued support showed genuine appreciation for his leadership and pledged to reciprocate it until the end of his tenure.
Fubara Says Projects Could Help APC in 2027
Fubara also said the infrastructure projects completed by his administration could give APC candidates an advantage during the 2027 elections.
He said the projects would provide the party with tangible achievements to present to voters when campaigning across the state.
According to the governor, the completed road and bridge would make it easier for the party’s candidates to demonstrate what the administration had achieved in the area.
Road, Bridge to Improve Connectivity
Fubara explained that the road and bridge were not awarded at the same time, noting that the bridge was initiated by the previous administration.
He said he chose to complete it because government should be seen as a continuous process and projects capable of improving people’s lives should not be abandoned because they were started by a previous administration.
The governor said an inspection of the poor condition of the old Abua road showed the need for an alternative route that would reduce travel time and improve connectivity between Abua/Odual and the East-West Road.
He added that the new infrastructure would also help address security challenges previously experienced along the route.
Governor Raises Concern Over Bridge Damage
Fubara commended the contractor and residents of Ndele for supporting the project, urging communities to protect the infrastructure and take ownership of it.
He, however, expressed concern over reported damage to sections of the bridge caused by vessels passing underneath it.
According to him, the state government had spent additional funds repairing the affected areas.
He therefore directed the chairmen of Emohua and Abua/Odual Local Government Areas to work with security agencies and establish measures to prevent further damage to the bridge.
Fubara said the completed road and bridge would ease transportation difficulties, improve movement and create greater opportunities for economic activities in the benefiting communities.
Source: Rivers State Government.
