Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has revealed that his administration inherited 34 unfinished projects valued at over N225.279 billion, spread across 13 local government areas. In addition, the state government has embarked on nine new road projects worth N534.332 billion under his leadership.
Speaking at the first anniversary of his administration in Port Harcourt, Fubara highlighted the challenges faced, including a significant political crisis shortly after assuming office on May 29, 2023. He described the crisis as “vicious and existential” but assured that the worst is over, asserting his administration’s commitment to advancing the state’s progress with liberty and freedom.
“We started this journey with a bang, focused and determined to make the promised changes urgently. However, we soon found ourselves in a severe crisis barely three months in. It was not just an ordinary political crisis; it was a vicious existential one,” Fubara stated. “But thank goodness, the worst is over. We have successfully defended our rights and the opportunity to govern our state and will continue to prevail.”
Reflecting on the past year, Fubara emphasised his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability. “Any government worth its name must be accountable, responsive, and responsible for the security and well-being of the people,” he said. He underscored the achievements in economic growth, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture, despite the unprecedented challenges.
Fubara proudly reported that his administration had completed 12 of the inherited projects, with ongoing construction on the remaining ones. He also mentioned the initiation of nine new road projects, including the ambitious Port Harcourt Ring Road project.
“Our administration is committed to using infrastructure as the key to sustainable development. We did not abandon the 34 uncompleted projects we inherited, valued at over N225.279 billion,” he said. “Of these, 12 have been completed and are in use, while work continues on the others.”
He elaborated on the new projects, stating, “The 50.15-kilometre Port Harcourt Dual Carriage Ring Road, with six flyovers and one river crossing, was awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc at a cost of N195.3 billion. The project is progressing satisfactorily, with a 77 per cent down payment of N150 billion.”
Fubara highlighted significant strides in economic growth, noting the establishment of an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Investment Advisory Committee. This initiative has seen the state’s revenue increase from N12 billion to between N17 billion and N28 billion monthly. He also mentioned a N4 billion matching fund with the Bank of Industry to support micro, small, and medium-sized businesses.
“Our liberalised, business-friendly economic policies are attracting local and international investors,” he said. “We have kept taxes low and removed bureaucratic bottlenecks, significantly improving the ease of doing business in Rivers State.”
In the health sector, Fubara reported the resuscitation of the Rivers State Emergency Ambulance Service, upgrades to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, the employment of 1,000 medical personnel, and the empowerment of 35 primary healthcare centres.
On education, Fubara stated that his administration completed several secondary school reconstruction projects and funded the University of Port Harcourt Convocation Arena and twin hostel projects at the Nigerian Law School’s Yenagoa campus. He also highlighted the release of N1.9 billion in matching funds for the Universal Basic Education Board, rehabilitating over 50 schools.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to economic diversification through agriculture, aiming to revive state-owned farms and agricultural assets. He also emphasised engaging youth in profitable agriculture and participating in various agricultural development schemes.
During the event, former Senator John Azuta Mbata praised Fubara’s commitment to accountability and transparency. “Governor Fubara has set a record difficult to match in upholding accountability and democracy, sustaining public trust, and fostering good governance,” he said.
Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, lauded Fubara as a leader who solves societal problems efficiently and without fanfare. “Governor Fubara has championed a quiet revolution, working assiduously and achieving what seemed almost impossible,” he stated.
The political landscape in Rivers State has been tumultuous, with ongoing tensions between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Despite the challenges, Fubara’s administration continues to push forward with significant developmental projects and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Rivers State residents.
