Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has publicly acknowledged that the political instability which rocked the state significantly hampered the pace of governance during the first 23 months of his administration.
A Turbulent Start and a Promise of Renewal
Governor Fubara made this revelation on Saturday, 21 December 2024, in Bonny Local Government Area. He was speaking at a reception hosted in his honour by the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III (Perekule XI), alongside the Grand Bonny Chiefs' Council.
The governor was in the ancient kingdom to attend the colourful Iria Ceremony of Her Royal Highness, Queen Paula Tamunoipirinye Pepple, the monarch's wife, which held at Ikuba Square.
Addressing the gathering, Fubara described the period as challenging. "Twenty-three months of my administration has been wahala," he stated candidly. "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."
Strategic Focus on Bonny's Development
Despite the admitted setbacks, Governor Fubara assured the people of Bonny that his government is now repositioned to deliver stronger and more visible development. He emphasized Bonny's critical role as a global economic hub, home to multinationals like Nigeria LNG (NLNG), and stated that state government presence must match this stature.
"Bonny has expanded. It needs internal roads, shore protection and more economic activities. NLNG is here, and government must also be here," the governor declared.
He outlined concrete plans for the kingdom, including:
- Construction of new internal road networks.
- Implementation of shoreline protection projects to combat erosion.
- Rolling out initiatives to stimulate local economic activities.
Fubara gave a firm deadline, assuring that before the end of the first quarter of 2026, the people of Bonny would visibly feel the presence of the Rivers State Government.
Honour and Commitment to Service
During the event, Governor Fubara was conferred with the traditional title of Amaopu Senibo of Grand Bonny by the kingdom. He accepted it as a call to greater service, pledging not to let the people down.
He expressed profound gratitude to King Edward Pepple III for his steadfast support and patience during the administration's "most difficult period." "Our relationship is not based on benefits but on sincerity and mutual respect. No matter what happens, I will continue to stand with you," Fubara told the monarch.
In his remarks, King Pepple III described the reception as a special session and urged the governor to follow up on the concerns presented by the Bonny Council of Chiefs. The council's chairman, Se-Alabo Lt. Col. (rtd.) Dagogo Soala Wilcox, commended Fubara for including Ibani sons and daughters in his government and highlighted areas needing urgent state intervention.
