Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has publicly urged his political base to champion President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027, characterising the endeavour as a collective and vital responsibility. The governor delivered this significant political declaration on Tuesday during the inauguration of the 9.7-kilometre Ogbakiri Roundabout–Ogbakiri Waterfront Road within the Emohua Local Government Area, an event marked by a substantial gathering of residents and supporters. His call underscores a clear alignment with the national ruling party’s agenda ahead of the next general election cycle.

Governor Fubara’s remarks at the commissioning ceremony signalled a robust commitment to mobilising grassroots support for the President. He highlighted the large turnout at the event as evidence of successful initial efforts in this regard, asserting that the momentum already generated needed to be channelled effectively towards President Tinubu’s political future. The governor emphasised the importance of dedicated “foot soldiers” on the ground to translate organic community support into electoral success for the incumbent.

This public declaration follows recent strategic engagements between Governor Fubara and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC). During these discussions, Governor Fubara reportedly assured the national leadership of the APC of growing and substantial grassroots backing for President Tinubu across Rivers State. He described the President’s re-election as a paramount assignment, indicating that comprehensive mobilisation activities have already commenced throughout various communities within the state.

The Ogbakiri Road project, constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, served as the backdrop for these political pronouncements, yet it also stands as a testament to the Fubara administration’s infrastructure agenda. Governor Fubara described the road as a landmark achievement, noting its initiation during one of his administration’s most challenging periods. He revealed that the initial payment for the project was processed at a time when Rivers State faced severe financial constraints, operating under a court order that restricted access to federal allocations.

Despite these significant fiscal hurdles, the administration maintained its unwavering commitment to service delivery and public works. Governor Fubara articulated that even in the face of such difficulties, his government kept faith with the people, trusting in its ability to overcome obstacles. He presented the newly commissioned Ogbakiri Road as tangible evidence of this steadfast commitment to fulfilling promises made to the populace, demonstrating resilience in governance.

The governor also took the opportunity to commend the host community for its crucial role in the successful and timely execution of the project. He specifically highlighted that peace and cooperation were instrumental, noting that Ogbakiri, an area once unfortunately prone to crises, has now embraced a path of peace and development. Fubara reiterated that peace forms the fundamental bedrock for sustainable development throughout Rivers State and urged all residents to actively safeguard public institutions and infrastructure.

Addressing local concerns, Governor Fubara acknowledged requests put forth by the Council of Chiefs, which included proposals for the construction of additional internal roads and a vital bridge. These proposed developments aim to significantly enhance transportation networks, bolster security, and stimulate commercial activities within the area. The governor assured the traditional leaders that these important proposals would undergo thorough consideration following comprehensive cost assessments.

Providing technical insights into the project, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Works, detailed the specifications of the Ogbakiri Road. Awarded in September 2023, the road spans 9.7 kilometres and features a substantial 7.3-metre carriageway width. The comprehensive project also incorporates modern amenities, including solar-powered streetlights, 4.5 kilometres of reinforced concrete drainage, and strategically placed reinforced concrete culverts to ensure durability and functionality.

Abdulaziz Kaita, Director of Administration at Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the contracting firm, expressed satisfaction with the project’s outcome. He confirmed that the road was completed a remarkable three months ahead of its scheduled deadline, attributing this efficiency to the exemplary cooperation received from both the Rivers State government and the local host communities. Kaita lauded Governor Fubara’s resolute commitment to infrastructure development, describing him as a leader embodying focus, unity, boldness, accountability, resilience, and action.

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Keywords: Siminalayi Fubara, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 2027 re-election, Rivers State politics, Ogbakiri Road project, Infrastructure development Nigeria, APC National Working Committee, Julius Berger Nigeria