Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, announced the commencement of preparations for the 2025 budget, emphasizing a focus on education, healthcare, and agriculture.
Speaking at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, during a solidarity visit from opinion leaders, women, and youths of Etche and Omuma local government areas led by Ogbakor Etche, Fubara also addressed the status of defected lawmakers.
Governor Fubara reiterated that the seats of Martin Amaewhule and other state lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) remain vacant.
He stated that these lawmakers would eventually return because their voluntary defection implied their desire to vacate their positions.
Fubara urged the former lawmakers to recognize the ongoing progress in the state’s governance.
“They think we are still sleeping. Let me tell you people so that they can hear anywhere they are. We all knew what happened when they crossed, and how did they cross? Because of our God, for them to make that mistake, they crossed! They are gone, and they are gone,” he remarked.
Highlighting the priorities of the 2025 budget, Governor Fubara assured the people of Rivers State that significant attention will be given to agriculture, education, and healthcare.
“Agriculture is an area that we have promised the very special and peace-loving people of Rivers State that our 2025 budget, which we have already started preparing, will address,” he stated.
Fubara emphasized the importance of quality education and healthcare, noting that public schools and hospitals should provide the same standards as private institutions.
“Our children need to go to quality schools. Even if they can’t go to private schools, let them go to the public ones that have standards. We need to go to good health facilities owned by the government and get standard healthcare services,” he added.
Addressing unemployment, the governor highlighted agriculture as a key sector to engage youths and reduce crime.
“When we start engaging our youths, they won’t have time to be involved in crime. So, our thinking is to secure and protect our State,” he explained.
Governor Fubara concluded by reiterating his commitment to showing appreciation to those who have supported him and clarified that loyalty does not mean losing one’s sense of discretion or liberty.
“I will not be a governor forced on his knees,” he affirmed.
This statement was issued by Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.