Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured the people of Bonny Local Government Area of accelerated development, acknowledging that political turbulence slowed the pace of governance during the first 23 months of his administration.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance on Saturday in Bonny during a reception organised in his honour by the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III (Perekule XI), and the Grand Bonny Chiefs’ Council.
The governor was in the ancient kingdom to witness the Iria Ceremony of Her Royal Highness, Queen Paula Tamunoipirinye Pepple, wife of the monarch. The colourful ceremony, held at Ikuba Square, attracted traditional rulers, chiefs and key stakeholders from Bonny Kingdom.
Responding to concerns by residents that Bonny had not sufficiently benefited from state government projects, Governor Fubara admitted that political instability and institutional challenges constrained his administration’s ability to deliver governance at the desired pace.
“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,” he said.
He, however, assured the people that his administration was now better positioned to deliver stronger and more visible development across the state, including Bonny.
Despite the challenges, the governor said his government had recorded measurable progress in key sectors such as education and infrastructure, adding that inherited projects in Bonny were already yielding positive results and would be expanded.
Governor Fubara stressed Bonny’s strategic importance as a global economic hub, noting that the presence of multinational companies, particularly Nigeria LNG (NLNG), required a stronger and more visible involvement of the Rivers State Government.
“Bonny has expanded. It needs internal roads, shore protection and more economic activities. NLNG is here, and government must also be here,” he said.
He announced plans to construct new internal road networks, implement shoreline protection projects to address erosion, and roll out initiatives aimed at stimulating local economic activities in the area.
“Before the end of the first quarter of 2026, you will see and feel the presence of the Rivers State Government in Bonny,” the governor assured.
Governor Fubara also expressed gratitude to King Edward Pepple III for his patience, support and steadfastness during what he described as the most difficult period of his administration.
“Our relationship is not based on benefits but on sincerity and mutual respect. No matter what happens, I will continue to stand with you,” he said.
The governor accepted the traditional title conferred on him as Amaopu Senibo of Grand Bonny, describing the honour as a call to greater service to the people of Bonny and Rivers State.
“Chieftaincy is a sign of responsibility. It is a call to duty to Bonny and Rivers State, and I will not let you down,” he pledged.
He further praised the leadership style of the monarch, recalling King Edward Pepple III’s emphasis on service, humility and legacy.
“Leadership is about what people will remember you for. While you are alive, live well so people will speak well of you,” Governor Fubara noted.
In his remarks, King Edward Pepple III said the reception was organised to take advantage of the governor’s presence in Bonny for the Iria Ceremony, urging him to follow up on the concerns and requests presented by the Bonny Council of Chiefs.
“This is not a normal session, and we expect follow-up,” the monarch said, adding that the council had resolved to honour the governor with the highest traditional title of the ancient kingdom.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Bonny Chiefs’ Council, Se-Alabo Lt. Col. (rtd.) Dagogo Soala Wilcox, commended Governor Fubara for appointing sons and daughters of Ibani extraction into key positions in his administration and outlined areas requiring urgent state intervention to give Bonny residents a stronger sense of belonging.
