In a comprehensive account of his first year as Rivers State Governor Fubara outlined major achievements across sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development. However, his self-assessment was tinged by candid acknowledgments of the intense political crisis that threatened to derail his administration just months after taking office.
Delivering a public scorecard in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Fubara disclosed that his government inherited 34 uncompleted projects valued at over N225 billion across 13 local government areas. Undeterred, he awarded nine new road contracts worth N534 billion, including the ambitious N195 billion Port Harcourt Ring Road project involving Julius Berger.
The Governor touted significant strides in raising internally generated revenues from N12 billion to peaks of N28 billion through business-friendly policies. A N4 billion fund was launched with the Bank of Industry to support small businesses. In healthcare, the state ambulance service was revived, and over 1,000 medical workers hired.
However, Fubara’s first year was overshadowed by what he described as a “vicious, existential” political crisis pitting him against his predecessor, the influential Nyesom Wike. The rift necessitated intervention from President Bola Tinubu to douse tensions that saw the resignations of multiple pro-Wike commissioners citing a “hostile” environment.
“The worst is over. We have successfully defended our rights and opportunity to govern our state and advance its progress in freedom, and we will continue to prevail,” Fubara declared defiantly, in an apparent rebuke of Wike’s perceived meddling.
The Governor’s tone was markedly self-assured, presenting his administration’s performance as a vindication of his legitimacy amid the tumultuous power struggle with his former benefactor. Listing completed and ongoing infrastructure projects, economic policies, and allocations to health and education, he sought to reaffirm his priorities and credentials.
Importantly, Fubara disclosed budget figures suggesting his government is matching ambitious developmental goals with commensurate financial commitments, like N150 billion mobilized for the Port Harcourt Ring Road alone.
While the Governor’s assessment cannot be taken as impartial, he has managed to share key metrics allowing the public to judge his administration’s impact and sincerity of purpose for themselves. The apparent turnaround in IGR figures from previous nadirs would be particularly encouraging for Rivers’ residents frustrated by years of underperformance.
Of course, a first-year stocktake is no guarantee of sustained future progress. Even allies like former Senator John Mbata acknowledged Fubara has “set a record difficult to match” by opting for such public scrutiny and accountability. The true test will be whether this openness endures and translates into tangible uplifting of living standards.
Moreover, the administration’s baptism by political fire is far from over, with the Wike faction seemingly entrenched in opposition. Fubara’s self-congratulatory tone could rekindle hostilities, raising the stakes for delivering on lofty promises that could make or break his credibility.
For now, though, Rivers State Governor Fubara outlined major achievements across infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development. He has reaffirmed his primacy on the political terrain through a show of transparency and brandished developmental achievements. Whether it proves to be a true new dawn or mere bluster amid chaos remains to be seen as Rivers watches closely in the year ahead.
Reference
I have successfully defended my right to govern Rivers -Fubara published in Punch