Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured communities across the state that his successor and political party will continue and complete projects initiated by his administration, saying Rivers’ development should transcend individual political tenures.

Fubara gave the assurance on Monday at the inauguration of the Buguma-Tema-Degema-Abonnema Road, where he said he might not be able to meet all the people’s demands before the end of his tenure.

The project was inaugurated by the Special Guest of Honour, His Majesty, King Dr. Disreal Gbobo Bob-Manuel, Esq., II, Owukori IX, Amayanabo of Abonema Kingdom.

The governor said completing ongoing projects should remain a collective responsibility beyond the current administration’s tenure.

According to the governor, projects already initiated by his administration would not be abandoned, stressing that his successor would be expected to continue where he left off.

Fubara expressed confidence that his party would sustain the projects initiated under his administration.

He said, “Let me beg you, if I cannot meet all your requests today, my successor will continue where I will stop. However, anyone that I can start, I assure you that we will do it for you.”

“Even the ones I cannot complete, I am very sure that my party will complete them. So, the issue today is about our people.”

The governor said the road project was particularly important to his administration, recalling that he had resolved to rehabilitate it after witnessing its deplorable condition while travelling to Abonnema for a funeral.

“I felt very ashamed of our state in the face of our position in the comity of states that we still have such a deplorable road. I made a promise that even if it is remaining one week for me, that we must fix that road. To the glory of God, today the road has been fixed,” he said.

Fubara said the road, which connects communities including Abalama and serves as an important route to Abonnema, had suffered from years of neglect, creating a safe haven for criminal activities.

He said the improved road would boost movement and economic activities while making it difficult for criminal activities previously associated with the corridor to continue.

He said, “Our desire for our State is not about just embarking on projects but doing things that we believe will touch and impact the lives of our people positively.

Fubara also cited the Trans-Kalabari Road project as another major intervention that, according to him, could not be denied as part of his administration’s development efforts.

The governor further said the improved road network would facilitate political mobilisation in the forthcoming 2027 elections.

“Quite soon we would be going round campaigning for our party, and the truth about it is that movement will be easy, and when we get there I can boldly ask you to support our candidate and our party because I have done these things,” he said.

The governor commended the host communities for their cooperation with the contractor, noting that their support was essential to the road’s successful completion.

“I want to thank you, especially the host communities, for cooperating with the contractor. Without your cooperation, we wouldn’t have been here to celebrate this road,” he said.

He thanked the people for their continued support and assured them that his administration would continue to respond to projects that could positively affect their lives.

While inaugurating the road, the Special Guest of Honour, His Majesty, King Dr. Disreal Gbobo Bob-Manuel, Esq., II, Owukori IX, Amayanabo of Abonema Kingdom, said the Buguma-Tema-Degema-Abonema road cuts through the heart of Kalabari land, and it is a project that touches the Kalabari nation in all spheres, and the people are happy.

The monarch applauded Governor Fubara for delivering the road, describing it as a landmark project that directly impacts the lives and communities of the Kalabari nation. (The Nation)