While detractors continue to push narratives to justify the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, it is crucial to remind the world that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s achievements in the past one year and ten months stand tall above any propaganda.
Healthcare: Gov. Fubara has revived numerous abandoned health facilities, including the remodeled and expanded Zonal Hospital in Bori, with similar projects in Omoku, Ahoada, and Degema. He also addressed the personnel deficit by employing over 2,000 health workers to boost efficiency, implemented the Rivers state Health Insurance Scheme as well as the approval for the remodelling of 153 primary health care centres in the state.
Education: His administration has prioritized education, remodeling key institutions and commissioning projects like the Okrika Grammar School and Government Girls Secondary School, Ahoada, while also working on Kalabari National College. To combat a decade-long stagnation, he has recruited 1,000 teachers, promoted civil servants, and implemented a new N85,000 minimum wage—far exceeding the national benchmark. He has also twice gifted N100,000 Christmas bonuses to the entire workforce, including pensioners.
Infrastructure: Despite political distractions, Gov. Fubara remains focused on delivering landmark projects. The 50.15km Port Harcourt dual carriage ring road, 12.3km Trans-Kalabari road, and 23.5km Elele-Umudioga-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road are progressing steadily. He has commissioned critical roads such as the 11.8km Okehi-Umuola-Eberi road, 14km Omuma-Omodu road, and 23km Bori internal roads, among others, and flagged off more road projects across the state.
Beyond roads, he has strengthened traditional institutions by commissioning palaces and supported the judiciary by delivering seven blocks of five-bedroom duplexes for judges.
Security: Gov. Fubara’s synergy with security agencies is unmatched. He has donated a helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force, built housing for military personnel, and provided six gunboats to enhance maritime security. Additionally, over 100 operational vehicles have been given to the Nigerian Police, and Hilux vans supplied to NSCDC to curb pipeline vandalism. These measures have bolstered peace and attracted fresh investments to the state.
Governance & Assembly Complex: Contrary to claims that he neglected the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, Gov. Fubara had begun its reconstruction early last year, and it is now almost complete. Even the Sole Administrator confirmed the progress, exposing the misleading narrative that justified emergency rule.
The hurried decision to impose emergency rule, based on unverified reports, has raised concerns about the President’s neutrality. This move threatens to stall ongoing projects, as Gov. Fubara’s direct supervision of contractors ensured both speed and quality.
However, one thing remains undeniable before this unfortunate political interference, Rivers State was thriving under a people-focused leader.
No amount of falsehood can erase Gov. Fubara’s legacies, and in due time, he will reclaim his mission to uphold the #RiversFirst mantra for the benefit of all.
