Fubara: Rivers State Projects to Fuel APC's 2027 Campaign Ambitions

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the significant development projects undertaken by his administration across the state will serve as a strong advantage for the All Progressives Congress (APC) during their campaigns for the 2027 general election. Governor Fubara made this assertion on Monday, during the official inauguration of the newly reconstructed Buguma-Degema-Abonnema Road.

This vital 19.79-kilometre road acts as a crucial transportation artery, connecting various communities spread across three local government areas within the state: Asari-Toru, Degema, and Akuku-Toru. The governor highlighted that the completion of this project is expected to significantly reduce insecurity along the route and enhance the socio-economic well-being of residents in the affected LGAs. He further noted that the improved road infrastructure would eliminate wasted travel time and the security risks previously associated with traversing the area, recalling that the contract for its rehabilitation was awarded in September 2024.

Fubara emphasized that completing the project within a remarkably short timeframe fulfilled a personal vow he made after witnessing the severe deterioration of the road during a prior visit. He stated, “It is a road that you must pass if you’re going to Abonnema. It is a road that, because of its state, a lot of evil activities were taking place there. But to the glory of God today, I don’t think those negative acts can even be imagined or carried out along that corridor again. I made a promise to myself that day that even if it is remaining one week, we must make sure that we fix this road. Today, to the glory of God, the road has been fixed.”

Looking ahead to the next election cycle, the governor added, “Very soon, we’ll be going round to campaign for our party. Movement will be easy. When we get there, I can boldly say, ‘Support my candidate, support my party because I have done this, I have done that, and I’m going to do that.’ Even the ones I didn’t complete, I’m also very sure that my party will complete them. I am happy that today, we are all here gathered happily that this particular dream has come to reality.”

Governor Fubara reiterated that his administration's focus extends beyond merely executing projects to implementing programmes designed to positively impact the lives of the populace. He reaffirmed his government's dedication to ensuring the completion of the Trans-Kalabari Highway, another significant road initiative designed to link numerous coastal communities within the state. He expressed gratitude to the local communities for their unwavering support and cooperation, particularly for enabling the contractors to execute their duties without hindrance.

“You have shown me so much, love. Nobody can take that away. One particular project that cannot be denied is the Trans-Kalabari Road that we are doing. I want to beg you that if I cannot meet all your requests today, don’t worry, my successor will continue from where I stop,” he concluded.

Providing technical details, the Commissioner for Works, Prof Temple Nwofor, confirmed that the Buguma-Degema-Abonnema Road project adheres to all required state standards. Nwofor detailed that the road features a 50mm asphaltic binder course and a 50mm asphaltic wearing course. He also mentioned that the project encompassed the extensive rehabilitation of seven existing bridges across Ido, Abalama, and other nearby communities, alongside the installation of streetlights, concrete walkways, culverts, and reinforced concrete drainage channels, varying from 0.5 metres to 2.2 metres in width, all designed to enhance the road's overall durability.