Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the happiness of Rivers people is the most important thing to his administration.
Governor Fubara made this known on Tuesday while commissioning the newly equipped Rivers State Fire Service Headquarters in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, the governor emphasized that the new fire service is a testament to his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property in the state.
He lamented that the state had, in the past, lost lives, businesses, and properties due to the poor state of the fire service, with the Fruit Garden Market and Mile 1 Market being notable examples.
“We are all aware of our situation some years ago when we were at the mercy of multinationals during fire incidents,” Fubara said.
“These incidents recorded a lot of losses in our houses and marketplaces. The records are there because we couldn’t respond adequately. We lost what we called Fruit Garden Market, are we talking about houses or lives that have been lost in this state because of inadequate fire service?”
He noted that his administration is committed to delivering purposeful governance that prioritizes the welfare of the people.
“I asked a question, what is the purpose of governance? It is the provision of services and the protection of lives and property.
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“And what we are doing today is to tell the good people of Rivers State and showcase to the world that there is governance in Rivers State – not governance for the sake of governance – but governance that is purpose-driven and interested in changing the lives of our people.”
Fubara recalled a recent fire incident involving a fallen tanker along Elelenwo Road, where the newly re-equipped Rivers State Fire Service responded promptly, preventing what could have been a tragedy.
He added that the satisfaction of Rivers people remains his administration’s top priority, despite efforts by detractors to discredit his government.
“I believe strongly that even if some persons are going behind to discredit us, Rivers people are happy, and that is the most important thing.
“We are not interested in whether those people commissioned to undermine us are unhappy – that is not our business. Our business is about Rivers State and Rivers people,” Fubara concluded.
The newly commissioned fire service headquarters is expected to enhance the state’s emergency response system and curb the devastating effects of fire incidents across the state.
