Governor Siminalayi Fubara has reflected on the impact of the year-long leadership tussle in Rivers State, admitting that the political crisis significantly hindered the pace of governance and infrastructure delivery during his first 23 months in office.
Speaking in Bonny Local Government Area on Saturday, December 21, 2025, the governor noted that the state is finally emerging from a “turbulent” period and is now repositioned for rapid development.
Addressing the Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom and the Grand Bonny Chiefs’ Council, Fubara was candid about the institutional roadblocks he faced, stating that the very instruments of government intended to facilitate development were often used to create “wahala” (trouble) and make administration difficult.
He admitted that the crisis constrained his administration’s ability to meet the people’s expectations at the desired speed. “It has never been our intention to deny our people the true feel of government,” he explained.
Following the end of the federal emergency rule in September 2025 and his recent political realignment, Fubara assured residents that his government has found a “new direction” to execute visible projects.
The governor used the visit to announce a specific development agenda for Bonny, citing its strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy like the finalized plans to construct new internal road networks and implement shoreline protection to combat erosion.
Fubara also emphasized that while NLNG has a massive presence in Bonny, the state government must match that visibility through direct social investments.
He pledged that by the end of Q1 2026, the people of Bonny will feel a tangible “state presence” through completed projects.
In a separate Christmas message issued today, Thursday, December 25, 2025, Governor Fubara reinforced his commitment to peace, urging all political stakeholders to “replace discord with dialogue.”
“Only in a united and stable Rivers State can we build the infrastructure and secure the prosperous future that every citizen deserves.” – Gov. Siminalayi Fubara
The governor’s comments come on the heels of a massive political realignment in the state such as officially joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) earlier this month, describing it as a move to “stand with Mr. President” and integrate Rivers into the center of national governance.
This week, several pro-Fubara National Assembly members also defected to the APC, effectively ending the legislative deadlock that had paralyzed the state for much of 2025.
