Following the Sunday night reconciliation meeting with the minister of the federal capital territory, FCT, Barr Nyesom Wike which was brokered by President Bola Tinubu, the Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara has described the former governor as a man of “very big ambition”.

Fubara gave the description while assuring that the 50.15-kilometre Port Harcourt dual carriage Ring Road project will be fully completed and delivered by October 2026, citing significant progress recorded on the job.

The governor also attributed the vision behind the landmark infrastructure to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, describing him as the originator of the elitist project.

Governor Fubara gave the assurance on Tuesday, during an inspection tour of the project, shortly after President Bola Tinubu intervened to resolve the political rift between the governor and the FCT Minister

Speaking during the inspection, Gov. Fubara described the FCT minister, whom he fondly referred to as his “Oga,” as a man of “very big ambition,” noting that the project was conceived with the aim of improving the welfare of Rivers people.

“For me, this project is very important considering the person who conceived it, my Oga, the Honourable Minister. He had a very big ambition and believed that if this project is delivered on record time, Rivers people will be happy with my administration,” the governor said.

He added that regardless of political developments, he remained committed to ensuring that the vision behind the project is realised.

“Notwithstanding whatever is happening, it is my wish and responsibility to see that this vision is fulfilled. This explains the importance we attach to the project as a government and as a people,” he stated.

Governor Fubara recalled that the Ring Road was designed to be completed within 36 months, noting that the project timeline is steadily approaching its target.

He said the inspection was carried out to assess the quality and pace of work being executed by the contractor.

According to him, the inspection commenced from the Refinery Junction in Eleme, passing through Iriebe and parts of Obio/Akpor, and terminated at the river-crossing bridge, which links critical sections of the road.

“From what is visible to everyone, a lot has been achieved. From our discussions, the contractors have assured us that the project will be delivered by October,” he said.

The governor noted that with sustained funding and the necessary administrative push, the October completion target would be achieved, expressing confidence that his administration would fulfil its promise to the people of Rivers State.

The Ring Road project, which was flagged off in July 2023, spans 50.15 kilometres and includes five flyovers and a river-crossing bridge. It is designed to connect more than six local government areas of the state and ease traffic congestion within Port Harcourt and its environs.