Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has publicly acknowledged that the political instability in the state significantly hampered the pace of governance during the initial 23 months of his administration. The governor made this candid admission during a visit to Bonny Local Government Area on Saturday, December 25, 2025.
A Turbulent Start to Governance
Addressing 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, Governor Fubara described the period as challenging. The governor was in Bonny to attend the Iria Ceremony of Her Royal Highness, Queen Paula Tamunoipirinye Pepple, the monarch's wife, a vibrant event held at Ikuba Square.
"Twenty-three months of my administration has been wahala," Fubara stated frankly. He explained that the very institutions and instruments designed to facilitate effective governance were the ones that created obstacles. "It has never been our intention to deny our people the true feel of government," he emphasized, pointing to political instability and institutional challenges as the primary constraints.
New Pledges for Bonny's Development
Despite the acknowledged setbacks, Governor Fubara assured the people of Bonny that his government is now repositioned for action. He highlighted the strategic importance of Bonny as a global economic hub, home to multinationals like Nigeria LNG (NLNG), and stressed the need for a stronger government presence.
"Bonny has expanded. It needs internal roads, shore protection and more economic activities. NLNG is here, and government must also be here," he declared. To this end, Fubara announced concrete plans to be implemented soon:
- Construction of new internal road networks.
- Implementation of shoreline protection projects to combat erosion.
- Rolling out initiatives to stimulate local economic activities.
He gave a firm assurance: "Before the end of the first quarter of 2026, you will see and feel the presence of the Rivers State Government in Bonny."
Honour and Commitment to Service
The occasion also saw the governor being honoured with the traditional title of Amaopu Senibo of Grand Bonny. Accepting the honour, Fubara described it as a call to greater service. "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 expressed profound gratitude to King Edward Pepple III for his steadfast support during the difficult period, stating, "Our relationship is not based on benefits but on sincerity and mutual respect. No matter what happens, I will continue to stand with you."
In his remarks, King Edward Pepple III clarified that the reception was organized to leverage the governor's visit for the royal ceremony. He urged Fubara to act on the concerns presented by the Bonny Chiefs’ Council, stating, "This is not a normal session, and we expect follow-up." The Chairman of the Bonny Chiefs’ Council, Se-Alabo Lt. Col. (rtd.) Dagogo Soala Wilcox, commended the governor for including Ibani sons and daughters in his administration and outlined critical areas needing state intervention.
