In a policy statement on the occasion of taking office, New Governor of Rivers State promises hard time for criminals and law breakers in the state. .
BY CLARICE AZUATALAM, Port Harcourt
The new Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara vowed, while taking over mantle of leadership in Port Hacourt , May 29, that there will be no hiding place for criminals in the state under his administration. “We will be hard on crime and criminality’’, he assured, among other promises.
The governor also said that his government “will swiftly and firmly deal with anyone, regardless of status or position, rich or poor, who breaks our laws or dares to violate our environment, peace and security.”
Observers of Governance and Politics in Rivers State see the governor’s promise as a very welcome development considering the upsurge of crime and security challenges in the state from the kickoff of election campaigns till present. This they attribute to the use of some youths to do some dirty political jobs in the state during the electioneering moment up till the change of guards.
Observers also believe that the inability of the then Police Commissioner, Okon Effiong to stem the tide was responsible to his redeployment to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
However, Fubara assured that his government will “continue to support and motivate the security agencies to maintain law and order and keep our communities, roads, neighbourhoods and waterways protected, safe and secure for businesses, residents, and visitors.”
While noting that the “primary responsibility of a new government is to do its best to advance the security and well-being of the State and its citizens, he vehemently declared that “there will be no hiding place for criminals in the State.”
Therefore, as we undertake our responsibilities, we promise to stay the course, commit to cooperative governance and expand opportunities for everyone. The wishes of our people for a happy life are our mission in politics.
To encourage the youths in the state who indulge in crime to turn new leaves, Fubara while noting that “most of our citizens are affected by the prevailing difficulties orchestrated by the poor state of the national economy” which are actually beyond the state, he acquiesced that it is the responsibility of the state to take relevant measures to diversify the economy of the state and insulate it from the headwinds.
“Accordingly, we will prioritize the well-being of the State and citizens with a renewed focus on economic growth, people-centered projects and social services.
“We will improve the ease of doing business and sustain a congenial fiscal regime to attract local and foreign direct investments to stimulate greater economic activities, create wealth and improve citizens’ livelihoods.
“We will adopt a re-industrialization policy master plan and partner with the private sector to revive or establish viable industries to create jobs and empower our people.
“We will also support the growth of small businesses and encourage commercial agriculture to achieve food security, industrialization and improved living standards for citizens”, Fubara stated.
Fubara also promised to “improve the ease of doing business and sustain a congenial fiscal regime to attract local and foreign direct investments to stimulate greater economic activities, create wealth and improve citizens’ livelihoods.
“We will adopt a re-industrialization policy master plan and partner with the private sector to revive or establish viable industries to create jobs and empower our people.
“We will also support the growth of small businesses and encourage commercial agriculture to achieve food security, industrialization and improved living standards for citizens.
The governor vehemently assured the youths that his government would not abandon them to their fate noting that they need “jobs, opportunities, empowerment and the freedom to build sound, promising futures”
He further promised to prioritize education at all levels and empower the youths with the relevant skills and opportunities to become economically active, productive and prosperous.
He stated: “We believe in the job creation capacity of small and medium enterprises. And so, we shall facilitate targeted access to low-interest funds for youth entrepreneurs to start or improve their businesses, earn decent incomes and generate employment for themselves and others.”
Continuing, the governor promised to “provide that strong, determined, focused, purposeful and responsible leadership” which though might be enormous but he assured that his government is“equal to the tasks and responsibilities ahead.”
While recalling that he and his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu were born, bred and educated in the state, their Christian beliefs in the core values of prayer, hard work, service and sacrifice would stand them in good stead..
He also recalled that two of them, having worked in the Rivers State Civil Service for decades and have practically served every government since 1999, pointing out their knowledge is “extensively enriched by our lifelong interactions, connections and service to the State and our people in public and private capacities”.
While Fubara is the immediate past Accountant General of the state, Odu worked majorly in the state Ministry of Health as a Director before she was appointed Commissioner for Education during Dr Peter Odili’s administration.
Therefore, “we know Rivers State as well as anyone. We know your hopes and expectations. We know our terrain and development challenges. We see our progress and what more to do to take us to higher heights.
To the civil servants who he described as his immediate constituents, he expressed gratitude for their invaluable contributions and indispensability to the State’s progress over the years” promising to meet all his obligations to them, “including regular payment of wages, pensions, gratuity, training and promotions” provided that they continue to show patriotism, dedication, and enthusiasm in the execution of their official duties.
“We have been well-groomed, charged and challenged none more so than by” his predecessor in office, Nyesom Wike who he said has great passion for the progress of Rivers State.
“Together, we embody our collective aspirations for a greater and prosperous Rivers State, a State that provides equal opportunities for all, a strong, compassionate and progressive State that protects and enables everyone to live in security, comfort, and prosperity”
While stating that his administration would “deepen the inseparable ties between the Church and the State government for the benefit of our people”, he assured the Christian Association of Nigeria and other spiritual leaders of sincere friendship, support and solidarity adding that “we will continue to support and work with the Church to defend our faith, advance our values and enhance our people’s moral and spiritual well-being.”
To members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state who have been torn apart since the political campaigns and election, Fubara assured them that he would “strengthen our party and ensure it remains the most dominant and successful political vehicle to advance our collective and individual political interests” because the members have proved that “Rivers State is PDP: Rivers PDP is matchless.”
While promising to work harmoniously well with the other two arms of government- the judiciary and the legislature, Fubara also assured that no sector of the state’s economy would be overlooked.
Fubara also used the opportunity to pay glowing tributes to his wife, Lady Valerie Fubara, Wike and his wife, Justice Suzzette Wike as well as former Governor Peter Odili and his wife, Justice Mary Odili, (retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria) all of who were present at the ceremony.
