Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged to fulfil the wish of his political leader and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, by ensuring the completion of the Port Harcourt Ring Road project conceived during Wike’s administration.
It will be recalled that Governor Fubara and Wike had been embroiled in a political crisis that led to impeachment threats by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the former governor. However, the crisis was reportedly resolved on Sunday following a peace meeting convened by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In the wake of the Sunday night reconciliation meeting with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has described the former governor as a man of “very big ambition.”
Governor Fubara gave the description while assuring that the 50.15-kilometre Port Harcourt dual carriage Ring Road project would be fully completed and delivered by October 2026, citing significant progress recorded on the project.
On Tuesday, Governor Fubara assured that the over 50-kilometre Port Harcourt Ring Road project would be completed and delivered by October this year.
The governor gave the assurance after inspecting the project, which cuts across at least five local government areas of the state and is designed to ease traffic congestion within Port Harcourt metropolis and adjoining communities.
He described the Ring Road as a strategic infrastructure project conceived by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, and noted that it remains central to Rivers State’s long-term urban and economic development plan.
Fubara recalled that Wike had expressed the belief that the successful completion of the Ring Road would earn him the appreciation of Rivers people, adding that he was determined to realise that vision for the benefit of present and future generations.
“This project is very important considering the person who conceived it, my Oga, the Honourable Minister. He had a very big vision. He believed that if I achieved this project in record time, people would be happy with my administration,” Fubara said.
The governor attributed the vision behind the landmark infrastructure to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, whom he described as the originator of the ambitious project.
Speaking during the inspection, the governor referred to Wike, whom he fondly called his “Oga,” as a man of “very big ambition,” noting that the project was conceived to improve the welfare of the people of Rivers State.
“For me, this project is very important considering the person who conceived it, my Oga, the Honourable Minister. He had a very big ambition and believed that if this project is delivered within record time, Rivers people will be happy with my administration,” Fubara said.
“Notwithstanding whatever is happening, it is also my wish and my responsibility to ensure that this vision is fulfilled. You can therefore understand the importance of this project to us and to everyone who means well for our dear state,” he added.
He added that regardless of political developments, his administration remained committed to ensuring the realisation of the project’s vision.
“Notwithstanding whatever is happening, it is my wish and responsibility to see that this vision is fulfilled. This explains the importance we attach to the project as a government and as a people,” he stated.
The governor disclosed that the construction company handling the project, Julius Berger Nigeria Limited, had reaffirmed its commitment to meeting the delivery timeline, provided funding remains steady.
He assured that despite prevailing challenges in the state, his administration would continue to make funds available to ensure uninterrupted progress on the project, in line with his commitment to the people of Rivers State.
“If you recall, the project was designed to last about 36 months, and we are already close to that timeline. We needed to confirm the level of progress made by the company,” Fubara said.
Governor Fubara recalled that the Ring Road was designed to be completed within 36 months, noting that the project timeline was steadily progressing towards its target.
“From our discussions, they have assured us that the project will be delivered by October. I strongly believe that this promise to my people will be fulfilled. What they need is funding, and from my end, the necessary push,” he stated.
