A coalition of opposition lawmakers has commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State on the occasion of his second year in office, stating that his achievements, even while navigating a political crisis, surpass those of many governors governing in more stable conditions.

In a statement issued by the group’s spokesperson, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the lawmakers argued that Governor Fubara’s record during his first year and a half in office reflects what they described as evidence of capacity and focus in the face of persistent efforts to distract and destabilise his administration.

“Governor Fubara has achieved what many of his counterparts in peaceful states have not been able to do. Despite being suspended, the infrastructure development initiated under his watch remains substantial,” Ugochinyere said.

The coalition listed projects undertaken by the administration, including the reconstruction of general hospitals, the commencement of agricultural programmes, road and education infrastructure, and the reconstruction of the State Assembly complex. According to them, many of these projects were fully mobilised before the current political crisis escalated.

They also criticised governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for failing to support Fubara at a critical moment. Nonetheless, the coalition expressed optimism that the Rivers governor would soon return fully to his duties, citing the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.

“We congratulate Governor Siminalayi Fubara on his second year anniversary. His achievements are unmatchable, despite the crisis disrupting his administration,” the statement read. “Since assuming office in May 2023, he began major road projects such as the Port Harcourt Ring Road, Omoku and Kalabari Super Highway, and many others.”

The coalition further noted that the Rivers State Executive Council approved N80.886 billion for the 33.5km Elele-Omoku road, which cuts across Ikwerre, Emohua, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas.

Also highlighted was the completion and inauguration of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road, a legacy project initiated during the tenure of former Governor Peter Odili. The lawmakers said this milestone symbolises Fubara’s commitment to finishing long-standing infrastructure efforts.

On the social development front, they pointed to reforms in the civil service, including the clearing of promotion backlogs and pensions, and the readiness to recruit 10,000 new workers.

The lawmakers also referred to the administration’s support for small businesses, citing the disbursement of N4 billion through the Rivers State Micro Finance Agency in collaboration with the Bank of Industry. Each beneficiary reportedly received between N400,000 and N10 million.

On the state’s fiscal performance, the coalition said the governor had improved monthly internally generated revenue (IGR) figures significantly. “Before Governor Fubara assumed office, the highest monthly IGR was between N12 billion and N13 billion. Under his leadership, that figure has risen to between N26 billion and N27 billion monthly,” they stated.

Referencing data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the coalition compared Rivers State’s IGR under past administrations—N172.8 billion in 2022, N123.3 billion in 2021, N117.2 billion in 2020, and N169.6 billion in 2019—to underscore what they described as an increase in revenue efficiency under Fubara.

“Despite distractions, Fubara has exceeded expectations and has done what most governors without crisis in their states couldn’t do. Following Mr. President’s intervention in the crisis, we are optimistic he will be back in the saddle soon,” the statement concluded.