The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described his two years in office as “challenging but progressive and impactful.”
In a message to mark his swearing in as governor on May 29, 2023, Fubara said the two years had been politically turbulent but also marked by significant developmental strides.
In the message titled, “Our Journey: Challenging but Progressive and Impactful!”, Fubara thanked the people of Rivers State for the “clear and overwhelming mandate” given to him during the March 18, 2023 gubernatorial election.
“Despite the turbulence, I have remained steadfast and focused, guided by the oath I took and the solemn promise I made to always put Rivers State first,” Fubara declared. “That commitment remains unshaken.”
While acknowledging that political challenges have sometimes slowed the pace of his administration, the governor highlighted a number of key achievements across various sectors. These include visible improvements in healthcare, education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, human capital development, and the inclusion of women in governance.
“These achievements would not have been possible without your unwavering support and hope in the brighter future we all envision for Rivers State,” he said.
Fubara’s tenure has been marked by a prolonged political feud with his predecessor and former political ally, which observers say has tested the resilience of his administration. However, the governor used the anniversary to advocate for reconciliation and healing.
“Your support has emboldened me to press on and not to retreat, but to work harder to foster peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness,” he stated. “These are essential to restoring normalcy and delivering transformational infrastructure, impactful programmes, and life-changing services across the State.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s focus on core priorities such as peace, security, community welfare, and socio-economic advancement, and pledged to make difficult decisions in the best interest of Rivers people.
“To those still carrying the weight of our recent political struggles, I appeal to you, let us turn the page, come together, and focus on our shared goal of progress and unity,” Fubara urged. “The time to rebuild and rise is now.”
The governor closed his address with a hopeful message: “I look forward to working hand in hand with all of you to build a state we can all be proud of—a Rivers State that stands as a model for the rest of Nigeria.”
As Rivers State reflects on two years of the Fubara administration, citizens and political analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the political crisis in the state would be resolved and the democratic structures suspended on March 18 restored.
President Bola Tinubu had suspended the governor and the house of assembly when he declared a state of emergency on March 18 following a protracted impasse between Fubara and a larger faction of the House of Assembly.
