Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that appropriate measures are being taken to tackle the rot in the educational sector in the state.
Fubara stated this during a thanksgiving service organised to mark his victory at the Supreme Court by the Okrika Local Government Area chapter of the ‘Simplified Movement’ on Friday.
Following Fubara’s victory at the Supreme Court which affirmed his election as the governor in January, each of the state’s 23 local government areas has been holding victory rallies in their domains.
Fubara, who was represented by the member representing Andoni-Opobo/ Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives Awajinombek Abiante, said the neglect was a deliberate plot to imprison the mind of the people perpetually.
He said, “Indeed we have been imprisoned. We have been imprisoned for too long because a few days back if you recall there was a report that was released indicating that the majority of our schools don’t have a sufficient number of teachers, with another majority dilapidated.
“I was touched because it did not happen in the last ten months, neither did it happen in the last two years, it was an accumulated neglect.”
The governor stressed that his administration was determined to reverse the trend by ensuring that residents have access to quality education
He said, “We have come to break the chain that has held us bound. We have started to guarantee a facelift to the famous Okrika Grammar School. The facelift will be to all schools from the rehabilitation programme.
“Without no band, we have guaranteed that two revered stools of Krikese have been lifted to first-class status; Amanyanabo of Okochiri and Amanyanabo of Koniju. They are of first-class status as we speak and no band sang anywhere when they were done.
“When the rehabilitation of Okrika Grammar School started, there was no band that was singing. In that same way, every other demand of yours, every other entitlement of every part of this state shall be attended to without bands on our streets. ”
He added, ” This is your government; this is our government. The only thing we owe is our unfettered support, unshaken support. If that is guaranteed, we can go home and sleep.”
Chairman of the occasion, Adokiye Amiesimaka urged politicians to prioritise the interest of their people above personal interest, warning against a situation where people elevate themselves to the status of God.
Also speaking, former acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, Mrs Ibim Semenitari noted that the governor has clearly shown his disposition towards peace.
Semenitari stated, “As Rivers people across the 23 LGAs, we are tired of consistent bickering in our state and our local government areas.
“To us, this is an opportunity to say to God, that we are grateful for this victory that came to us without bickering.
“We are grateful that we have an opportunity to celebrate a governor who has a peaceful disposition.
“But beyond that is also a prayer by Rivers people to say, we are tired and we don’t want any more crisis. We want our state to progress.
“We have a governor who is committed to driving development across the 23 local government areas of the state. For us, that is all that matters.”
Earlier at the thanksgiving service, the Bishop Diocese of Okrika, Enoch Atuboyedia urged people to recognize the sovereignty of God as He is the creator of all mankind.
Atuboyedia said current events in the state should be enough reason for people to celebrate God and added that every thanksgiving service should be God-centred.
