Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to end their political feud. Speaking at the commencement of the N222.1bn Trans-Kalabari Road in Kalabari Kingdom, Jonathan emphasized that escalating tensions are detrimental to the state's progress and urged both leaders to collaborate for the benefit of Rivers State.
Jonathan warned that the ongoing conflict could hinder development in Rivers and have broader negative implications for the Niger Delta region and the entire country. He praised the intervention efforts by some leaders and stressed the importance of a truce to prevent the crisis from escalating into a larger regional and national issue. Jonathan also highlighted the challenges associated with political transitions, noting that while these are often better managed at the federal level, they tend to be more problematic at the state level.
Governor Fubara, at the event, reaffirmed his administration's commitment to completing the Trans-Kalabari Road project, which aims to boost socio-economic activities in rural communities. He called on the residents to support the project and prevent any sabotage, acknowledging the high costs and challenging swampy terrain. Fubara assured that funding would come from internally generated revenue and federal allocations, with 30% of the contract sum already paid to mobilize the contractor.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Atemea Briggs, provided details on the 12.5km project, which will connect Kalabari land to the metropolis with four concrete bridges. Briggs highlighted the project's infrastructure, including a 7.3-meter carriageway, solar street lighting, and pre-stressed deck-on-piles, with a completion timeline of 32 months. Jonathan commended Fubara's vision and determination, stating that such infrastructure is crucial for the state's development.
