Fubara Takes Over As Rivers Governor

Siminialayi Fubara has been sworn in as the Governor of Rivers State, succeeding Chief Nyesom Wike who served out an eight-year tenure.

In his inaugural speech after being sworn in by the state Chief Judge Justice Simeon Amadi at the Elekahia Stadium Port Harcourt, Fubara told the people that he is overwhelmed by the spotlight as Governor for all Rivers people.

He said that aside from consolidating on the legacy of the infrastructures revolution by Wike's administration, he would address corruption and inefficiency in Rivers' health sector.

He also promised to promptly pay salaries, pensions and gratuities to Rivers workers and encourage investments and small and medium-scale businesses.

“We will provide a strong, determined, focused, purposeful and responsible leadership. Though enormous, we are equal to the task of the responsibility head.

"My Deputy and I were born, raised educated in this dear state. We are Christians and believe in the core value of prayer, hard work, service and sacrifice.

“We worked in the civil service for decades, practically served every government since 1999. Our knowledge is extremely enriched by our life-long interactions, connections and service to the state and our people in public and private capacities.

“We know Rivers as well as anyone. We know your hopes, expectations, terrain, and development challenges. We see our progress and what more to do to take us higher”, Sim told the capacity crowd at the inauguration ground.

In a handover note moment, Nyesom Wike, the outgone governor, in the apparent shortest public speech he has ever made, had addressed Fubara, “Your Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State, I hereby hand over the flag of Rivers and official handover documents to you. Thank you and God bless.”