The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has acknowledged the significant contributions of President Bola Tinubu to the development of Rivers State and the South-South region. Keyamo made this statement during the flag-off of the 7km Ipo Town–Airport Bypass and the commissioning of the Ikwerre Road–Igwuruta–Airport Road Corridor, which was reconstructed by the Rivers State Government. He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his numerous interventions in the state, noting that the President’s efforts have facilitated the alignment of all South-South states with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Keyamo also formally welcomed Governor Siminalayi Fubara into the APC, describing his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a significant development. The Minister of Aviation stated that Governor Fubara’s entry into the APC signifies the loss of a key figure for the opposition party, implying that the PDP has suffered a significant blow. Governor Fubara had earlier announced his intention to join the APC, citing his decision as a gesture of appreciation to President Tinubu, whom he credited with supporting his tenure as Governor of Rivers State.
The defection of Governor Fubara to the APC is seen as a strategic move, as Rivers State has traditionally been a key player in the country’s political landscape. The state’s alignment with the APC is expected to have significant implications for the region’s political dynamics. The reconstruction of the Ikwerre Road–Igwuruta–Airport Road Corridor and the construction of the Ipo Town–Airport Bypass are part of the state government’s efforts to improve infrastructure and enhance economic development in the region.
The official reception of Governor Fubara into the APC was witnessed by Keyamo at the Government House in Port Harcourt, where the Governor received his APC membership card from the party’s leadership. This development is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the political landscape of Rivers State and the South-South region. As the region continues to evolve politically, the implications of Governor Fubara’s defection to the APC will be closely watched by stakeholders and analysts alike.