Rivers political crisis slowed governance, says Fubara
Fatimah Otunsanya
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has acknowledged that political crisis that plagued the state significantly slowed the pace of governance in the first 23 months of his administration.
He, however, assured the people of Bonny Kingdom that his government is repositioned now to deliver stronger and more visible development across the state.
Fubara spoke on Saturday in Bonny Local Government Area during a reception organised in his honour by the Amanyanabo (kimg) and Natural Ruler of Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Asimini William Dappa, and the Grand Bonny Chief’s Council.
The governor was in Bonny to witness the Iria ceremony of Her Royal Highness, Queen Paula Tamunoipirinye Pepple, wife of the monarch.
The ceremony took place at Ikuba Square and attracted traditional rulers, chiefs and key stakeholders from the kingdom.
Addressing the monarch and chiefs in the palace, Fubara described the past 23 months as turbulent, saying political instability and institutional challenges constrained his administration’s ability to deliver governance at the desired pace.
He stated, “Twenty-three months of my administration has been wahala.The instruments meant to deliver good governance are the same ones making things difficult. It has never been our intention to deny our people the true feel of government. ”
Despite the challenges,the governor said his administration had recorded measurable progress in key sectors, particularly education and infrastructure.
He noted that inherited projects in Bonny were yielding positive results and would be expanded.
He stressed that Bonny’s strategic importance as a global economic hub required a stronger and more visible presence of the Rivers State Government to complement multinational operations, especially the NLNG.
“Bonny has expanded. It needs internal roads, shore protection and more economic activities. NLNG is here, and government must also be here,” he said.
Fubara announced plans to construct new internal road networks, implement shoreline protection projects to address erosion and roll out initiatives to stimulate local economic activities.
Before the end of the first quarter of 2026, you will see and feel the presence of the Rivers State Government in Bonny,” he assured.
The governor expressed appreciation to King Edward Pepple III for his patience, support and steadfastness during what he described as the most difficult period of his administration.