Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has lauded the peaceful disposition of protesters in the state amidst the economic hardships that sparked the recent demonstrations.
Addressing the protesters who marched to the Government House in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara expressed his appreciation for their orderly conduct and genuine desire for positive change. He reassured the youths of his administration’s commitment to improving the state’s economy and the overall welfare of its residents.
Governor Fubara acknowledged the economic difficulties faced by many in the state and emphasized the importance of addressing the protesters’ concerns promptly. “The peaceful nature of your protests shows a genuine desire for positive change,” he said. “It underscores the necessity for us, as a government, to take immediate and meaningful action.”
He urged the protesters to maintain their patience and trust in his administration’s efforts to enact economic reforms. However, Governor Fubara also cautioned them to remain vigilant against individuals who might attempt to hijack the peaceful demonstrations to incite violence, especially given the sensitive political climate.
Following his interaction with the protesters, Governor Fubara convened a meeting with members of the State Executive Council and the committee responsible for organizing the first Rivers Economic and Investment Summit. The meeting, held at the Executive Council Chambers, marked the presentation of the committee’s report to the Governor.
During the presentation, Governor Fubara pledged to implement the committee’s recommendations, highlighting the urgency of economic improvement in response to the protests against poor governance. “Economic hardships are a significant factor behind the protests,” he noted. “Addressing these issues is imperative for fostering a stable and prosperous state.”
The committee’s report, presented by Chairman Chibeoso Aholu, proposed several key initiatives. These included the establishment of an Investment Promotion Council and a digital economy hub, as well as the revival of defunct businesses.
The recommendations also emphasized the need to renew existing business districts and create new ones, support Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), reduce tensions between companies and host communities, and institutionalize the Economic and Investment Summit as an annual event.
Governor Fubara underscored the importance of the Economic and Investment Summit in shaping Rivers State’s economic future. He committed to making the summit a cornerstone of his administration’s policy framework, aiming to leverage its outcomes to drive sustainable development.
The governor also highlighted the categorization of the summit’s achievements into short, medium, and long-term goals, as outlined by the committee, to ensure ongoing and sustainable progress. He assured that the state government would prioritize these initiatives, focusing on creating a conducive environment for investment and economic growth.
