Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State officially inaugurated the 10th Rivers State Assembly on Monday at the Legislative Complex in Port Harcourt, fulfilling his constitutional responsibility.
Referring to section 105, subsection 3 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, the governor exercised his powers to dissolve the previous assembly (the 9th) and simultaneously proclaim the 10th Assembly, which will proceed to elect its principal officers.
In his address, Governor Fubara stated, “My duty this morning is officially to dissolve the 9th Assembly and inaugurate the 10th Assembly so that you can commence your first session.”
Governor Fubara referred to section 105, subsection 3 of the constitution, which empowers the elected governor to issue a proclamation for the first session of the state assembly immediately after being sworn in.
Accordingly, he proclaimed that the first session of the 10th Rivers State Assembly would commence at 10:00 am on Monday, June 5th, 2023, at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex in Port Harcourt.
In addition, Governor Fubara made an unscheduled visit to the University of Port Harcourt to inspect the ongoing construction of the convocation arena. Expressing the government’s commitment to education and youth development, he emphasized the importance of the project. The governor urged the contractor responsible for the construction to fulfill their promise of completing the project within the next sixty days. He also warned that failure to deliver would result in consequences.
Governor Fubara used the occasion to caution all other contractors handling state government projects to expedite their work, emphasizing that any delays would not be tolerated, and timely project completion is expected.
Regarding the ongoing construction at the University of Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara stated, “From what I’m seeing here, the contractor is also assuring that in 60 days he can deliver. We will give him the benefit of doubt. But I need to say clearly that if in 60 days, I visit this project, I don’t see it completed, it’s not going to be easy for the contractor, that’s the truth.”
The governor acknowledged the progress made by the contractor compared to previous months, emphasizing the significance of the project for education and youth development. He stressed the government’s objective of youth development and educational advancement.
Governor Fubara concluded by reiterating his expectations of the contractor’s prompt delivery and the serious consequences that would follow if the project is not completed within the given timeframe.