Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called for a united effort to curb oil theft and pipeline vandalism, stressing that increasing oil production was key to boosting national revenue and improving state allocations.
Fubara made the call on Tuesday during the swearing-in ceremony of four new commissioners at the Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Port Harcourt.
Governor Fubara stressed that the current shortfall in funds from oil production was insufficient to address the nation’s economic challenges and that this issue needs to be urgently tackled for both the nation and the state to progress.
He emphasized that tackling oil theft was crucial, as it directly impacts revenue generation, which, in turn, affects the state’s allocation from the federal government.
“The most important thing about Rivers State today is to support the progress of this country. We are in a situation where the funds that are being generated from oil production are not sufficient to tackle the problems of Nigeria, and every hand must be on deck to make sure that there is an increase in oil production,” the governor stated.
He explained that increasing oil production by addressing pipeline vandalism and oil theft would lead to improved revenue for both the state and the nation.
“This is the only way the allocations will increase, and more money will also come to our State, and more progress will be achieved in this State,” Fubara added.
In addition to addressing oil theft, Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace, which he said was vital for the development of Rivers State.
He highlighted that, despite the achievements of his government, distractions have prevented people from fully acknowledging the progress made, however, he assured the public that in due time, his administration would showcase its accomplishments.
Fubara also charged the newly appointed commissioners to work for the collective interest of Rivers State, emphasizing that their responsibility goes beyond their individual local government areas.
“Coming into the Executive Council is not because we are using it to balance, and the only balance you are coming to give us here is for your LGA. We want you to work for the State, realizing that your responsibility at this time is to the State and not your LGA anymore. But we are happy to have you, and we believe that you are going to contribute to the success of this administration,” he told the new commissioners.
The governor also addressed recent acts of arson in some local government areas following the swearing-in of local council chairmen and promised to work with security agencies to investigate and bring those responsible to justice.
He commended Rivers people and his supporters for maintaining peace and not reacting to the provocation, urging them to continue upholding calm and non-violence. He warned against responding to violence, stating that peace remains paramount.
“I appreciate your calmness. I have always maintained that we are going to be the greatest losers if we are not peaceful. I won’t encourage any of you to follow them with violence. We are carrying a basket of precious eggs on our heads, so we need to follow them with carefulness and wisdom,” he added.
The four newly sworn-in commissioners and their portfolios are Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu (Culture & Tourism), Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi (Physical Planning & Urban Development), Barr. Otamiri John Ngubo (Commerce & Industry), and Hon. Benibo Anabraba (Lands & Survey).
