In a candid revelation, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, unveiled the challenges and milestones of his administration’s first year in office.
Governor Fubara disclosed that upon assuming office, his administration inherited a staggering 34 uncompleted projects valued at over N225.279 billion, spread across 13 local government areas of the state.
Additionally, amidst political turmoil, the governor announced the award of nine new road projects valued at N534.332 billion.
Addressing the audience at the Dr Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara presented an Account of Stewardship and Scorecard to commemorate the one-year anniversary of his administration.
He recounted the tumultuous journey embarked upon since May 29, 2023, characterized by a political crisis of “vicious and existential” nature, barely three months into office.
Reflecting on the challenges faced, Governor Fubara remarked, “We started this journey with a bang. We were focused. We were determined to make the change we promised with a sense of urgency.”
However, he highlighted the abrupt descent into crisis, describing it as an extraordinary ordeal.
Despite the adversity, the governor expressed gratitude that the worst was over, affirming his administration’s successful defense of the state’s governance rights and commitment to advancing progress and liberty without compromise.
Fubara said, “For us, any government worth its name must be accountable, responsive, and responsible for the security and well-being of the people.
“Having managed the affairs of our State for one year, including dispensing public resources, it is only proper that we render account with a public presentation of our performance record.
“I am, therefore, pleased to stand before you to present our Scorecard for the first year we have been in office as the Executive arm of the Government of Rivers State.”
Governor Fubara reflected on his commitment to fulfilling the primary objectives of fostering economic growth, enhancing infrastructure, improving healthcare, advancing education, and promoting agriculture, as outlined in his Blueprint.
This commitment signifies his determination to cultivate a robust, resilient, and progressive state that addresses the populace’s needs.
The governor proudly affirmed that, despite facing unprecedented challenges, his first year in office has yielded substantial achievements evident to all.
Governor Fubara specifically noted that upon assuming office, he inherited a state with a declining economy despite its inherent growth potential. However, within the first year of his administration, the negative narrative has undergone a positive transformation.
The governor disclosed that he established an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)/Investment Advisory Committee under his leadership to oversee activities in the sector, resulting in an increased influx of economic investments into the state.
He said: “We also needed to attract investments into the State and increase our internally generated revenue base as too much reliance on federal allocations was a challenge to the realization of our development goals.
“We, therefore, set up an IGR/Investment Advisory Committee, which is helping us to navigate our course for increased economic investments and internally generated revenue to accelerate economic growth, create jobs and advance the welfare and well-being of our people.”
Governor Fubara stressed, “Our liberalized business-friendly economic policies and programmes are boosting confidence and attracting local and international investors and investments into the State, judging by the expression of interest offers we receive every month.”
Amidst the turmoil, Governor Fubara emphasized his unwavering dedication to prioritizing Rivers State’s interests and ensuring the delivery of democracy’s dividends and good governance to the people.
As he navigates the political landscape, the governor reiterated his commitment to placing Rivers State first and fulfilling the covenant made a year ago.