Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday broke his silence over widespread speculations that he had defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Fubara made the clarification during an inspection tour of the newly constructed General Hospital and the fully remodelled Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Rumuigbo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Fubara said reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that he had joined another political party were false, stressing that he remains a member of the ruling APC and would continue to work in the interest of the party.
“I know there have been a lot of drama in the media — one story or another. I am a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and nothing has changed. People should stop using whatever they pick from social media or their personal interpretation of situations to misrepresent me.
“I have not gone anywhere. I am still a member of the APC and I remain committed to the party. Whatever happens, what is important is supporting the overall interest of the party,” he said.
The governor was conducted round the facilities by the Director of Medical Services in the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, who led him through the hospital wards, conference hall, ICT centre, students’ hostel, staff quarters, and other critical sections of the projects.
Expressing satisfaction with the completion of the two projects, Fubara said they were initiated to address critical healthcare needs in the state.
He recalled that the remodelling of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital became necessary following concerns around mental healthcare services, while the administration also discovered the absence of a General Hospital within the area to cater to residents’ basic healthcare needs.
“This very project, if you could remember, when we came in, we had an issue that required our sudden visit and it had to do with mental health. When we came here for the inspection of the rehabilitation centre the board was trying to put together, we discovered that we had more issues beyond mental health.
“We did not have a General Hospital to serve the people within this area. The closest medical facility was the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), which is quite far from here. We felt that with the available space in this compound, it would be proper to also establish a General Hospital here to serve neighbouring communities including Rumuola, Rumuolumeni, and surrounding areas.
“Today, to the glory of God, we can see that the project is fully completed. It is not 95 per cent complete; it is 100 per cent completed.
“We are happy because it is a promise made and a promise fulfilled. Like I always say, what is important is doing what will positively impact the lives of our people. Our people should come first, and that is why this project is very important to this administration,” he said.
