Governor Fubara and one year of his signature in Rivers State

Going by the recent comment by His Excellency, Siminalayi Fubara, Executive Governor of Rivers State, that his administration started in February 2024, it would be right to say that he’s just four months old in office. However, the record books won’t accept such a position. This is not the first time such a situation has occurred in Rivers State.

Recall that in 2007, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi took over the mantle of leadership when his colleagues in other states were already five months into their tenure. He had to forfeit the time spent by his immediate predecessor, Chief Celestine Omehia, for peace to reign, and by May 29th, 2011, it was assumed or believed that Amaechi had spent four years in office, when in reality, he had three and a half.

The case of Governor Fubara is peculiar. Unlike Amaechi, Fubara was in office but not in power. While he was there as the figurehead, the levers and fulcrum of power seemed to reside elsewhere, controlled by someone who was once in the driver’s seat but was perceived by some as ruling with pride and arrogance. In attempting to highlight the significant achievements of Governor Fubara within the last year, it is essential to consider other events that have shaped his administration.

One of the biggest achievements of Governor Fubara is his ability to wrestle and rescue Rivers State from the control of those who were perceived to be exploiting the state and its resources for personal gain. During the electioneering campaign and his early days in office, not much was expected of a Fubara administration as he was seen as a continuation of the immediate past administration. The people of Rivers were bracing themselves for another difficult period. However, Fubara managed to change this narrative, bringing a new sense of relief and hope to the state.

In his first seven months in office, Governor Fubara has made significant strides that may not always be visible through physical infrastructure but have greatly impacted the lives of the people. He has taken back power on behalf of the good people of Rivers State and is now focused on working for their benefit.

When he presented his scorecard and account of his stewardship in Port Harcourt to commemorate his one year in office, Governor Fubara referred to the political crisis he navigated as vicious and existential. He assured the people that the worst was over and that he had defended his right to govern the oil-rich state without compromise.

Governor Fubara inherited a project debt of over N225 billion from his predecessor but promised to continue with projects that have a direct bearing on the lives of the people despite efforts by detractors to sabotage his government. He cited how certain groups attempted to frustrate his efforts by inciting contractors and persuading dignitaries not to attend the Rivers Economic and Investment Summit.

The former Accountant-General of Rivers State noted that his government has awarded contracts for nine new roads, totaling over N534 billion. He established an “Internally Generated Revenue Investment Advisory Committee,” which has significantly improved the state’s internally generated revenue.

In the area of education, numerous secondary schools have benefitted from the Fubara administration’s initiatives. The government has also contributed significantly to the University of Port Harcourt and the Nigerian Law School, Yenagoa Campus. Additionally, N2 billion was released to the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC) for the upgrading of basic schools in Rivers State.

Emergency ambulance services have been revived, and the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital is being equipped to improve tertiary healthcare services. Thirty-five primary healthcare centers have been upgraded to attend to the immediate health needs of rural dwellers.

In one year, Fubara is already leaving his mark on the state, showing a clear dedication to serving his people. Many in Rivers State are hopeful for continued progress under his leadership, despite the challenges and opposition he may face.

Odili, a public commentator, writes from Port Harcourt.