Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed reports alleging that he has defected to the National Democratic Congress, insisting that he remains a member of the All Progressives Congress.
Fubara made this known during an inspection tour of the newly constructed General Hospital and the fully remodelled Neuropsychiatric Hospital, both in Rumuigbo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Wednesday.
The governor said the rumours were based on misinformation circulating in the media and on social platforms.
“I know that there’s been a lot of drama in the media, one story and another. I’m a member of the All Progressives Congress, and nothing has changed,” he said.
He urged the public and commentators to verify information before spreading it, warning against misrepresentation based on speculation.
“People should stop using whatever situation that they pick up from social media or their own interpretation of any situation to present me wrongly,” he said.
Reaffirming his loyalty to his party, he added, “I have not gone anywhere. I’m still a member of the All Progressives Congress, and I remain a member.”
Fubara further emphasised the need for unity and focus within the party, noting that political interests should be guided by collective goals.
“Whatever happens, what is most important is supporting the overall interests of the party,” he said.
Fubara 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.
He expressed delight at the completion of the two projects, which, according to him, were conceived to address critical needs in the health sector in the state.
Fubara recalled that while the rehabilitation of the Psychiatric Hospital became necessary at some point, the administration also discovered that the area had no General Hospital to take care of the basic health needs of the people.
“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.
“So, when we came here for the inspection of the Rehabilitation Centre that the board was trying to put together, we found out that we had more issues than even the mental health issue.
“We didn’t have a General Hospital to serve the people within this area. The closest medical centre that they had here was the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, which is very far from here.
“We felt that with the space we have in this compound, it would be proper for us to also have a General Hospital situated in this particular facility to take care of the neighbouring communities up to Rumuola, Rumuolumeni and all the surrounding areas.
“Today, to the glory of God, we can see that the project is already completed. It is not 95 per cent complete, it is 100 per cent completed,” he said.
He continued, “We’re happy because it is a promise made and a promise fulfilled. Like I always say, what is important is doing what will touch the lives of our people.
“Our people should come first, and that is how important this project is for us in this administration.”