Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has commissioned the newly constructed Emohua–Ogbakiri–Egbelu Road, using the occasion to issue a strong call for peaceful coexistence among all residents of the state. The governor emphasized that sustained peace is the fundamental prerequisite for extending development projects to every corner of Rivers State.
A Plea for Peace and Protection of Assets
Speaking at the ceremony in Ogbakiri, Governor Fubara stated that the need for tranquility extends beyond the immediate communities benefiting from the new road. He stressed that peace is essential for the entire state to guarantee continued development. The governor specifically urged residents to protect public infrastructure around them, including the university in the area, as a way to foster a conducive environment for further government projects.
"We need peace, not just in Ogbakiri and Emohua. We need peace in the state so that development can be extended to all parts of Rivers State," Fubara declared. He added that such protection of community assets would enable him to visit and engage with the people "happily and joyfully."
Project Awarded Amidst Legal Challenges
Governor Fubara recounted the challenging circumstances under which the road project was initiated. He recalled that the contract was awarded following the commissioning of the East-West Road corridor at Emohua-Tema Junction. To ensure connectivity, his administration promised to address the annex roads leading to communities like Ogbakiri, Tema, Abalama, Abonnema, and Buguma.
The governor revealed a significant hurdle: the first payment for the Emohua–Ogbakiri–Egbelu Road was made during a period when a court judgment had barred the state government from accessing its accounts or receiving funds from the Federal Government. Despite this financial and legal constraint, the project commenced, underscoring the administration's commitment.
In response to a community request for a bridge to connect them directly to mainland Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara promised to study the proposal. He acknowledged that such a bridge would ease transportation, boost commerce, and improve security response times, assuring the people that his government would review the cost implications and revert promptly.
Julius Berger Praises Peaceful Community, Early Completion
The Director of Administration for Julius Berger Nigeria Plc., Dr. Abdulaziz Isa Kaita, highlighted the role of peace in the project's success. He announced that the 9.7-kilometer road was completed three months ahead of its 18-month schedule. The contract was awarded on September 6, 2024.
"Our speedy completion of this project was also attributable to the maximum cooperation we enjoyed from this peaceful community, irrespective of inconveniences suffered during this construction period," Dr. Kaita stated. He also thanked the Fubara-led administration for its support, particularly during periods of global inflation that threatened project continuity, noting that the state's intervention was crucial for completion.
In a related development at the commissioning of the Ahoada-Omoku Road extension, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Dr. Peer Lubasch, commended the state government's support. He cited the approval of cost augmentation for the monumental Ring Road project due to global inflation as an example of the productive partnership. Dr. Lubasch assured Governor Fubara that all ongoing projects, especially the legacy Ring Road, would be completed.
The newly commissioned Emohua–Ogbakiri–Egbelu Road is a key infrastructure project designed to improve connectivity between Emohua and the riverine communities, linking them to the vital East-West Road corridor and stimulating socio-economic activities in the region.
