Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara has approved the construction of a modern psychiatric hospital in Obi Akpor Local Government Area, the home of his predecessor and former political mentor, Nyesom Wike. The announcement came during a church service on Sunday, September 29, as part of the events marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day.
This development follows rising political tensions between Fubara and Wike. During a gathering organized by the Ijaw Peoples Assembly in Port Harcourt on Saturday, September 28, Wike hinted at teaching Fubara and his supporters a “big lesson” in the state.
“Imagine in Rivers they are contemplating of APP. It is not about money. Money does not move. You can have all the money but if there is no capacity there is no capacity. All the things you see are people envious of our growth. We have defeated them severally and if opportunity comes again, we will defeat them We have not started politics, when the time comes, we will play politics. Our job is politics. Tell them to keep their party ready. We will teach them what is called politics.”
In response, Fubara, while speaking at the Independence Day church service, remarked that his achievements in just one year of leadership surpass what his opponents managed in eight years. He emphasized that his focus remains on the growth and development of Rivers State, with the psychiatric hospital being a part of his administration’s efforts to improve healthcare services in the region.
The hospital project will bring advanced mental health care to the people of Obi Akpor and surrounding areas, addressing a critical need in the community.
“They even say, they don’t know what we are doing. Let me remind them, it is Fubara that signed the paper to borrow from Zenith Bank the N200billion for the construction of the Port Harcourt Ring Road. So, it is my project. It is Fubara that awarded the Trans-Kalabari Road that they couldn’t do. They did only a bridge from Krakrama, but I am the one doing it: the complete span, and it is N225billion. I didn’t borrow.
It is this same Fubara that is building a General Hospital, which I also included a Psychiatric Hospital because they will need it very soon. So, tell them that what I did in one year is what they did in 8 years. It is only empty container that makes noise. If God has given you opportunity, eat your plantain and keep quiet. God will continue to give us the strength to do the best for our people, without fear.
Very soon, you will see what we are doing. It is not about doing roads to your business interest. I don’t have any business interest. Whatever I am doing, I am doing it for the people of Rivers State. We will not take any decision that we cannot defend. We won’t be part of anything that will bring any form of disgrace to our dear State. This State is important to us. It is the only thing that we have.
It is the beautiful pride. That is why they are struggling, coupled with the improvement in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) we have done. That is why they are struggling, we know. But, do it with modesty, you don’t need to destroy the house.”he said
