Stakeholders in Rivers State have raised concerns over what they described as a growing lull in governance, urging Governor Siminalayi Fubara to explain the state’s current direction amid stalled projects, rising insecurity and declining political activity.

Checks by The Guardian indicate that several public projects, including aspects of the ring road initiative, have been stalled, while sanitation challenges persist across parts of the state, as dirt littered the environment. However, there are currently few efforts to clear the refuse.

There are also increasing reports of insecurity in some local council areas, with residents alleging attacks linked to armed groups and suspected herders.

The development, stakeholders said, is compounded by what they described as a lack of clear communication or policy direction from the government.

Findings further suggest limited youth engagement programmes despite the state’s substantial monthly inflows. Analysts estimate that Rivers receives about N60 billion monthly from federal allocation and internally generated revenue combined.

Concerned stakeholders, who spoke exclusively with The Guardian in Port Harcourt yesterday, argued that the governor’s silence in the face of these developments is troubling and called for greater transparency, adding that it is the citizens’ right to demand accountability, while it is the duty of the government to deliver on the mandate.

A rights activist and political analyst, Henry Eferegbo, described the situation as worrisome, noting that governance has slowed considerably.

According to him, “it is the responsibility of the government to drive development and ensure security. The state receives significant funds monthly, and citizens deserve to know how these resources are being utilised.”

He urged the governor to take decisive steps to address governance gaps and strengthen engagement with key institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly.

“There is a need for political coordination. Governance requires consultation and collaboration. The executive and legislature must work together to move the state forward,” he said.

“No one operates as an island; there must be discussions and agreement with the interest of the state taking centre stage,” he added.

MEANWHILE, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday, inspected the ongoing three-phase Creek Road Market project in Port Harcourt, expressing satisfaction with the pace of work, fixing January 2027 for its completion.

The project, divided into three sections, aims to provide a more conducive trading environment and address years of congestion that forced traders to spill onto adjoining roads.

Fubara, who was conducted round the site by the project engineer, Architect Opiribo West of E.S.T Masters Construction, alongside the Commissioner for Special Projects, Tonye Belgam, said the initiative was designed to complement ongoing urban renewal efforts in the old Port Harcourt Township.

Addressing journalists after the inspection, the governor explained that the reconstruction of the market became necessary to create adequate space for traders and ease traffic flow disrupted by trading activities on the roads.

He noted that the rehabilitation of the township’s road network had been hindered by the lack of a modern market facility.