By Helen Okechukwu, JKNMedia Reporter
POLITICIANS IN Rivers State have been called upon by Governor Siminalayi Fubara
to practice responsible politics to ensure the state’s peace and economic growth.
Fubara gave the charge during a visit from the House of Representatives Committee on Ports and Harbours, led by Chairman Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, to the Government House in Port Harcourt who were there to familiarize itself with and conduct oversight of the Port Harcourt, Onne Sea Ports, and Bonny channels.
The governor emphasized the critical role of these sea ports in the blue economy, criticizing those who have hindered their development through political maneuvering, and highlighted a period about nine years ago when a senior Minister of Transport from the state did not advance port development due to political rivalry.
He urged current politicians to support initiatives that promote progress and development, regardless of political affiliations, to avoid the negative impacts of bitter politics.
He stressed that the state’s success should be a collective goal, not just about controlling the treasury. Fubara pointed out that operational sea ports would increase revenue and facilitate further development plans through enhanced internal revenue.
The governor also appealed for an end to politics of bitterness, stating that such attitudes lead to anger and destruction and assured the delegation of his administration’s support for revamping the state’s sea ports and enhancing their full operational capacity, as he promised to consider the committee’s recommendations and implement necessary changes to boost port activities.
He also refuted claims of the state being crisis-ridden, calling them baseless and emphasizing Rivers State’s peace and ongoing development efforts and referred to the October 30, 2023, incident, saying nothing worse has occurred since then.
Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Ports and Harbours, explained that the visit’s purpose was to conduct oversight of the ports and support the new blue economy program, which is expected to attract significant investments.
Nnaji acknowledged Rivers State’s vital role in this program and assured the committee’s commitment to supporting the upgrading of Port Harcourt and Onne Ports and enhancing the Bonny Channels.
In another development, Governor Fubara intervened in a dispute between Port Harcourt International Airport management and the Ipo community, which led to a temporary disruption of flight operations by protesting women from the host community.
The women had blocked the airport’s access road, causing delays.
Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, announced a mutually beneficial peace deal following a closed-door meeting between the governor, community leaders, and airport management.
The women later agreed to lift the blockade, while the airport management committed to addressing the community’s concerns through enhanced corporate social responsibility policies.
Hon. Boniface Emerengwa, representing Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency, thanked the governor for addressing the protesters’ grievances promptly and also applauded the Ipo community for their patience and pledged to work with state and local governments to ensure the community benefits from democratic dividends.
Dr. Darlington Orji, Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Council’s Caretaker Committee, expressed satisfaction with the governor’s promise to provide an alternative access road and urged corporate organizations to fulfill their social responsibilities to host communities.
Port Harcourt Airport Manager, Mrs. Lynda Ifesinachi Ezike, thanked Governor Fubara for resolving the crisis and assured the airport management’s commitment to maintaining good relations with host communities to ensure a peaceful operating environment.
