PORT HARCOURT — In the wake of the Sunday night reconciliation meeting with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has described the former governor as a man of “very big ambition.”
Governor Fubara gave the description while assuring that the 50.15-kilometre Port Harcourt dual carriage Ring Road project would be fully completed and delivered by October 2026, citing significant progress recorded on the project.
The governor attributed the vision behind the landmark infrastructure to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, whom he described as the originator of the ambitious project.
Fubara gave the assurance on Tuesday during an inspection tour of the Ring Road project, shortly after President Tinubu’s intervention to resolve the political rift between him and the FCT Minister.
Speaking during the inspection, the governor referred to Wike, whom he fondly called his “Oga,” as a man of “very big ambition,” noting that the project was conceived to improve the welfare of the people of Rivers State.
“For me, this project is very important considering the person who conceived it, my Oga, the Honourable Minister. He had a very big ambition and believed that if this project is delivered within record time, Rivers people will be happy with my administration,” Fubara said.
He added that regardless of political developments, his administration remained committed to ensuring the realisation of the project’s vision.
“Notwithstanding whatever is happening, it is my wish and responsibility to see that this vision is fulfilled. This explains the importance we attach to the project as a government and as a people,” he stated.
Governor Fubara recalled that the Ring Road was designed to be completed within 36 months, noting that the project timeline was steadily progressing towards its target.
He explained that the inspection was carried out to assess the quality and pace of work being executed by the contractor.
According to him, the inspection commenced from Refinery Junction in Eleme, passed through Iriebe and parts of Obio/Akpor, and terminated at the river-crossing bridge linking critical sections of the road.
“From what is visible to everyone, a lot has been achieved. From our discussions, the contractors have assured us that the project will be delivered by October,” he said.
The governor expressed confidence that with sustained funding and the necessary administrative support, the completion target would be achieved, assuring that his administration would fulfil its promise to the people of Rivers State.
The Ring Road project, which was flagged off in July 2023, spans 50.15 kilometres and includes five flyovers and a river-crossing bridge. It is designed to connect more than six local government areas and ease traffic congestion in Port Harcourt and its environs.
