Governance Concerns Mount in Rivers State
Stakeholders in Rivers State have raised alarms over what they describe as a growing lull in governance. They are urging Governor Siminalayi Fubara to clarify the state's direction amid stalled projects, rising insecurity, and declining political activity. A monitoring report by The Guardian indicates that numerous public projects, including components of the ring road initiative, have come to a halt. Sanitation challenges persist across parts of the state, with litter accumulating despite minimal efforts to clear refuse. Additionally, reports of insecurity in several local government areas have increased, with residents alleging attacks by armed groups and suspected herders.
Stakeholders attribute these developments to a lack of clear communication or policy direction from the government. Findings also suggest limited youth engagement programs despite the state's substantial monthly inflows. Analysts estimate that Rivers receives approximately N60 billion monthly from federal allocations and internally generated revenue combined.
Demands for Transparency and Accountability
Concerned stakeholders, who spoke exclusively with The Guardian in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, argued that the governor's silence amid these challenges is troubling. They called for greater transparency, emphasizing that citizens have the right to demand accountability, while it is the government's duty to deliver on its mandate. Henry Eferegbo, a rights activist and political analyst, described the situation as worrisome, noting that governance appears to have slowed considerably. He stated, "It is the responsibility of government to drive development and ensure security. The state receives significant funds monthly, and citizens deserve to know how these resources are being utilized." He urged the governor to take decisive steps to address governance gaps and strengthen engagement with key institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly. "There is a need for political coordination. Governance requires consultation and collaboration. The executive and legislature must work together to move the state forward," he added. "No one operates as an island; there must be discussions and agreement with the interest of the state taking centre stage."
Warning of Democratic Erosion
Dr. Omenazu Jackson, Chancellor of the International Society for Social Justice, warned that the situation could undermine democratic governance if not addressed. "What we are witnessing is a gradual slowdown in governance. This is not healthy for democracy. The governor has a mandate to serve the people and must clearly articulate his administration's direction," he said. Jackson expressed concern over the apparent suspension of projects and delays in appointments across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), stressing that such gaps could affect service delivery. "Key institutions appear to be operating below capacity. There is a need for clarity on why projects have slowed and why critical appointments are yet to be concluded," he added.
Political Uncertainty Ahead of 2027 Elections
There is also a noticeable decline in political activities in the state ahead of the 2027 elections, with no one indicating interest in running for any position yet. Public affairs analyst Obi Ijeoma linked this to the influence of political godfatherism, stating that many politicians are waiting for signals from power blocs before declaring intentions. "This uncertainty is affecting political participation and, by extension, governance. It also has implications for security, as reduced political engagement often creates gaps that can be exploited," he said.
The Guardian reports that despite a political truce that restored relative calm in September last year when Governor Fubara returned to office after the state of emergency, there are indications of silent friction between the executive and legislative arms. The State House of Assembly has yet to fully reconvene following the screening of commissioner nominees, during which some candidates were rejected. Rumors suggest that the assembly's delay in sitting is to avoid screening a new list of commissioner nominees sent to them, but this remains unconfirmed.
Call for Urgent Action
Stakeholders have warned that unless urgent steps are taken to address governance concerns, the situation could further impact development and public confidence. They called on the governor to break his silence, provide clarity on ongoing challenges, and outline concrete steps to reposition the state.
