Fubara succeeds Wike, focuses on job creation, tackling insecurity, others

New Rivers Governor, Siminialayi Fubara and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi  Ordu, yesterday,  took oath of office in Port Harcourt. The state Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, administered the oath at a ceremony  held at Yakubu Gowon stadium. 

This came shortly after the former governor, Nyesom Wike, handed over the flag of the  state and a handover note to the  new governor.  Fubara, in his inaugural speech, stated his resolve to give attention  to education and youths  by creating jobs, empowerment  programmes and allowing freedom to build sound and  promising future.
 
Fubara said: “​We will not abandon our youths to their fate. We will continue prioritising education at all levels and empower our youths with relevant skills and opportunities to become economically active, productive and prosperous.
 
“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.
 
“​To our civil servants, I thank all of you for your invaluable contributions to the state’s progress over the years. We appreciate your indispensability and promise to meet all our obligations to you, including regular payment of wages, pensions, gratuity, training and promotions. All we ask is your continued patriotism, dedication, and enthusiasm in the execution of your official duties.”

The governor said his administration ​would be hard on crime and criminality in the state.  He said: “We 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.

“We will continue to support and motivate security agencies to maintain law and order and keep our communities, roads, neighbourhoods and waterways protected, safe and secure for businesses, residents, and visitors.”
 
According to him, most citizens are affected by prevailing difficulties arising from the poor state of the national economy.
 
“While some of these economic challenges are beyond us, we understand our responsibility to take relevant measures to diversify our economy and insulate it from the headwinds.

“We do not promise we have all the solutions to all our challenges. But, we promise not to compromise on the quality of governance, the services we can provide, and the interest of our state. Rivers State will remain the centre of our focus and actions. With your support, we will provide that quality leadership.”
 
He thanked former Governor Wike for believing in him and assured him that he would deliver dividends  of democracy to Rivers people.