Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has praised the peaceful nature of recent protests in the state, which emerged in response to economic hardships.
The Governor’s commendation came during an address to protesters who had assembled at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Governor Fubara expressed his gratitude for the protesters’ orderly conduct and their genuine call for positive change. He reassured them of his administration’s dedication to enhancing the state’s economy and improving the overall welfare of its residents.
Acknowledging the economic challenges many face, Governor Fubara emphasized the need to address the protesters’ concerns swiftly. “The peaceful nature of your protests reflects a true desire for positive change,” he said. “It highlights the urgent need for us to take decisive and effective action.”
He encouraged protesters to continue their patience and faith in his administration’s commitment to economic reform while warning them to be wary of individuals who might exploit the peaceful demonstrations to provoke violence, given the current sensitive political climate.
Following this engagement, Governor Fubara held a crucial meeting with the State Executive Council and the committee tasked with organizing the inaugural Rivers Economic and Investment Summit. This meeting, which took place at the Executive Council Chambers, saw the presentation of the committee’s report.
The Governor pledged to act on the committee’s recommendations, stressing the importance of economic improvement as a response to the protests against poor governance. “Economic difficulties are a major driver behind the protests,” he remarked. “Addressing these challenges is critical for creating a stable and prosperous state.”
The committee’s report, delivered by Chairman Chibeoso Aholu, proposed several significant initiatives. These include the formation of an Investment Promotion Council, the establishment of a digital economy hub, and the revival of dormant businesses. Additional recommendations focused on revitalizing existing business districts, creating new ones, supporting Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), easing tensions between companies and host communities, and institutionalizing the Economic and Investment Summit as an annual event.
Governor Fubara highlighted the pivotal role of the Economic and Investment Summit in shaping the state’s economic trajectory. He committed to integrating the summit into his administration’s policy framework, aiming to utilize its outcomes to drive sustainable development.
The Governor also outlined a plan for categorizing the summit’s achievements into short, medium, and long-term goals to ensure continuous and sustainable progress. He assured that the state government would prioritize these initiatives to foster a favorable environment for investment and economic growth.
