PORT HARCOURT — Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has reiterated his commitment to completing the long‑planned Port Harcourt Ring Road project, a major infrastructure initiative originally championed by his political mentor, Chief Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Fubara’s renewed pledge comes amid ongoing efforts to calm political tensions in Rivers State and follows a high‑profile peace meeting facilitated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The meeting between President Tinubu, Nyesom Wike, and Siminalayi Fubara took place on Sunday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with aides saying the trio discussed ways to end the political standoff that has gripped the state for months. Reports from sources close to the presidency indicate that Tinubu urged unity and cooperation between the governor and his former boss, stressing the need to put development and the welfare of Rivers people above political disagreement. (Source: Premium Times, https://www.premiumtimesng.com)
Since that meeting, there have been indications from Wike’s camp that the dispute with Fubara has eased, with several allies publicly calling for reconciliation and focusing on delivering on key projects for the state. Among these, the Port Harcourt Ring Road remains a priority both politically and socially.
During an inspection of the project on Tuesday, Governor Fubara assured stakeholders that the more than 50‑kilometre Port Harcourt Ring Road would be fully completed by October this year. The road — cutting through at least five local government areas — was designed to reduce gridlock in Port Harcourt and surrounding communities while boosting economic activities and improving transport efficiency.
Fubara described the Ring Road as a strategic legacy project initiated under Wike’s administration that serves as a cornerstone of urban planning and long‑term development for Rivers State. He said ensuring its delivery on schedule remains a top priority of his leadership.
“This project was developed with enormous vision by my leader, the Honourable Minister,” Fubara said. “He believed successful completion of this road would greatly benefit the people of Rivers State. I am fully committed to fulfilling that vision for the present and future generations.”
Reflecting on his earlier political disagreements with Wike’s camp — which at one point included threats of impeachment by lawmakers aligned with the former governor — Fubara emphasised that infrastructure delivery should not be held hostage to political friction. The peace meeting in Abuja, brokered by President Tinubu, appears to have reduced hostilities and refocused attention on governance.
Wike’s allies in recent days have publicly supported Fubara’s commitment to the project, suggesting that former political differences should not derail progress on initiatives that promise to transform the state’s infrastructure landscape. Some observers see Wike’s backing as critical to fostering cooperation within the state government and solidifying support among key constituencies.
The governor also disclosed that the construction firm handling the project, Julius Berger Nigeria Limited, has reiterated its readiness to meet the delivery deadline — provided that funding remains consistent. He acknowledged that work on large‑scale infrastructure inevitably faces financial and logistical hurdles but assured that his administration would make the necessary funds available to keep construction moving without interruption.
“If you recall, the project was designed to last about 36 months, and we are already close to that timeline,” Fubara noted. “We needed to confirm the level of progress made by the company. From our discussions, they have assured us that the project will be delivered by October. I strongly believe this promise to my people will be fulfilled.”
Fubara reaffirmed that his administration will continue to prioritise the Ring Road in successive budgetary allocations and maintain close oversight to ensure milestones are met.
The Port Harcourt Ring Road was launched at the beginning of Governor Fubara’s tenure with a projected completion span of 36 months. The road is not only expected to ease traffic congestion but also to stimulate economic growth by improving connectivity within Rivers State and enhancing access to key commercial hubs.
Political analysts say that completing the Ring Road — a landmark project associated with both Wike and Fubara — could help cement a legacy of developmental continuity and signal a new era of collaboration in Rivers State politics, especially following President Tinubu’s intervention.
As roads, commerce, and politics converge around this project, many residents are watching closely, hopeful that the road will serve both as an economic lifeline and a symbolic bridge across recent political divides.
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