From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has said he is not among the politicians who exclude communities or an entire local government area from the dividends of democracy due to political disagreements.
Governor Fubara made these remarks during the formal inauguration of the Eze Oha Apara Palace for His Royal Majesty, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, the Paramount Ruler of Ekinigbo and Eze Oha Apara IV, in Rumuigbo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, on Thursday.
The governor stated that his political approach recognises that while disagreements are inevitable, denying any section of the state access to essential public amenities or government support is unacceptable. He emphasised that public funds are meant to benefit the people of Rivers State, improving their lives.
He spoke in response to insinuations about his extensive execution of projects in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, despite political antagonism from certain leaders.
Governor Fubara expressed satisfaction with the completion of the palace for the Apara Kingdom, describing it as a testament to the respect accorded to traditional institutions in Rivers State. He praised the palace as a symbol of the honourable status befitting kings in the state, enabling them to command respect among their peers.
He highlighted other projects under his administration, including the construction of an ultra-modern General Hospital for Obio/Akpor, the area’s first; the upgrade of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital to address mental health challenges; and the ongoing construction of a palace for the Akpor King, which will be inaugurated soon.
He said:
“So, chairman, as we inaugurate this wonderful palace, we are not ending it here. We want to make sure that, because of the support I can feel here, all the bad roads in this area will be reconstructed. This is an addition to what we are doing today. You can feel our love for you in several ways. We are building a general hospital for you, which you don’t have. You know it. We are also upgrading the Psychiatric Hospital to a modern one that can address the challenges ahead of us.
“We are not just stopping there. You know we are building a palace. By the special grace of God, by February next year, we will inaugurate it for His Royal Majesty of Akpor. It is a show of love and the importance I personally attach to the Obio/Akpor people.”
Governor Fubara assured the people that his administration would continue addressing their socio-economic needs while urging them to protect the palace as a communal legacy for future royal fathers.
Performing the inauguration, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, the Obong of Calabar, natural ruler, treaty king, and grand patriarch of the Efik Kingdom, commended Governor Fubara for his dedication to traditional institutions.
He encouraged other governors and political officials to emulate Fubara’s efforts in providing people-oriented projects, saying:
“I don’t intend to descend into the political arena. However, as a father, I must stand with the truth and show solidarity with you during this turbulent time. There have been many political rumblings in Rivers State, but I will re-emphasise the fact that you are the Executive Governor of Rivers State. This mandate was freely, willingly, peacefully, and resoundingly given to you by the people of Rivers State. Do not let them distract you. Shut out the noise and focus on delivering the dividends of democracy to the good people of Rivers State, who are your employers and your boss.”
Senator John Azuta Mbata, Chairman of the Building Committee, detailed the palace complex. It includes the main palace with eight bedrooms and three sitting rooms, a people’s hall with a 500-capacity main hall and three meeting rooms, a VIP hall with spaces for the king’s daily activities, and a guest house featuring two one-bedroom apartments and four suite apartments for VIP visitors.
In his welcome address, Chijioke Ihunwo, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, thanked Governor Fubara for building and furnishing a royal palace for the Apara people and their king. He noted that this gesture, which their son as governor did not provide, demonstrated Governor Fubara’s heartfelt commitment to the community.