A coalition of opposition federal lawmakers has lauded the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, for what it described as “unparalleled achievements” in his first two years in office, asserting that his record outpaced that of many governors who govern without internal crises.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the coalition praised Fubara for his infrastructure strides, civil service reforms, and economic transformation, despite the political turmoil that has shadowed his administration.
“We congratulate Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on his second anniversary. His achievements are unmatchable, despite the crisis disrupting his administration,” Ugochinyere stated.
Governor Fubara, who assumed office in May 2023, was commended for initiating and executing large-scale projects such as the Port Harcourt Ring Road, the Omoku and Kalabari Super Highway, and the completion of the long-abandoned Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road originally initiated by former Governor Peter Odili in 2007.
According to the coalition, Fubara’s administration also approved a staggering N80.8 billion for the 33.5-kilometre Elele-Omoku road, traversing three local government areas: Ikwerre, Emohua, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni.
“Since assuming office in May 2023, Governor Sim Fubara has launched mega road projects… many of which are either progressing rapidly or have been completed,” the statement said.
The lawmakers also praised Fubara’s commitment to revamping the state’s healthcare system, following Rivers’ poor classification at the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) in terms of health facility availability and enrolments. Similarly, they highlighted progress in agriculture and education, noting the administration’s focus on long-term sustainability.
Beyond infrastructure, Fubara was lauded for restoring order and morale within the civil service through the clearance of promotion backlogs and pensions, as well as plans to employ 10,000 new workers.
The coalition also pointed to the governor’s economic empowerment programs, citing the disbursement of N4 billion in funding to small businesses through the Rivers State Microfinance Agency in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BoI). The funds, ranging from N400,000 to N10 million, targeted businesses in the nano, small, and medium enterprise sectors.
Another major highlight of Fubara’s tenure is the significant rise in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
“Since May 29, 2023, the administration has raised the monthly IGR of the state from an average of N14.4 billion to between N26 billion and N27 billion. This is a clear case of thinking outside the box,” the statement noted.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) backs this assertion. In 2022, Rivers State’s annual IGR stood at N172.8 billion, averaging N14.4 billion per month. Previous years had recorded lower averages, N123.3 billion in 2021 and N117.2 billion in 2020.
“Despite distractions, Fubara has exceeded expectations and has done what most governors without crisis in their states couldn’t do,” Ugochinyere emphasised.
The lawmakers did not hold back in criticizing fellow People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governors, accusing them of abandoning Fubara in his time of need.
Nonetheless, the coalition expressed optimism that the embattled governor would soon return to office, especially in light of President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the Rivers political crisis.
“Following Mr. President’s intervention in the crisis, we are optimistic he will be back in the saddle soon,” the coalition stated.
