BY BEATRICE AKPALA
While carrying out oversight functions in Rivers State Rt. Hon Mike Etaba led the House Committee On Public Petitions on a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Rivers State His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara. He commended him for completing the projects of his predecessor, which shows credibility. According to him government is a continuum and consolidating on the policy thrust of the previous administrations should be prioritized.
Etaba who is the Chairman House Committee on Public petitions congratulated Governor Sim Fubara for the N197.5 billion contract with Julius Berger for the construction of Port Harcourt Ring road project, his prompt payment of workers , pensioners their salary arrears and gratuities. He further applauded Governor Fubara for rolling out the N3.6 billion SME single digit interest loan scheme to 3, 066 micro, small and medium-scale enterprises and 100 companies drawn from the 23 Local Government Areas including non-indigenes, noting that it will stimulate business activities and sustainable wealth creation in Rivers State.
Rt. Hon Mike Etaba further encouraged the Governor to remain focused and people oriented, noting that his accessibility has shown clearly that he is working for the people and the people will continue to rally around him. He declared his support for him, adding that the voice of the people is the voice of God. He intimated Governor Fubara the essence of the committee’s visit to Rivers State and he vehemently called on him to be deliberate about putting in place regulatory measures in line with internationally recognized standards for environmental management. He avouched that the hazardous waste disposal and pollution from companies in Rivers State must be checked and regulated as efforts towards ensuring that Rivers remains a model State.
Rt. Hon Etaba and his entire committee leadership sympathized with Governor Sim Fubara over the multiple explosion at the Indorama Eleme petrochemicals section of East-West Road when a tanker laden with petroleum products exploded in the area known for its gridlock. They prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and the wanton destruction of vehicular properties.
He expressed his gratitude to the Governor and the good people of Rivers State for their support, corporation and guidance in ensuring that the committee achieved its objective.