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.

A monitoring by The Guardian indicates that several public projects, including aspects of the ring road initiative, have been stalled, while sanitation challenges persist across parts of the state, dirts littered the environment though, currently there is little efforts to clear the refuse.

There are also increasing reports of insecurity in some local government 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 on Tuesday, argued that the governor’s silence in the face of these developments is troubling and called for greater transparency, adding that it is citizens’ right to demand for accountability while it is the duty of government to deliver on the mandate.

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

According to him, “It is the responsibility of 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.

Also speaking, Chancellor of the International Society for Social Justice, Dr. Omenazu Jackson, warned that the situation could undermine democratic governance if not addressed.

“What we are witnessing is a gradual slowdown in governance. This is not healthy for democracy. The governor has a mandate to serve the people and must clearly articulate his administration’s direction,” he said.

Jackson expressed concern over the apparent suspension of projects and delays in appointments across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), stressing that such gaps could affect service delivery.

“Key institutions appear to be operating below capacity. There is a need for clarity on why projects have slowed and why critical appointments are yet to be concluded,” he added.

There is also noticeable decline in political activities in the state ahead of the 2027 elections,no one is indicating interest to run for any position yet.

A public affairs analyst, Obi Ijeoma, linked the situation to the influence of political godfatherism, stating that many politicians are waiting for signals from power blocs before declaring intentions.

“This uncertainty is affecting political participation and, by extension, governance. It also has implications for security, as reduced political engagement often creates gaps that can be exploited,” he said.

The Guardian reports that despite a political truce that restored relative calm in September last year when Governor Fubara returned to office after the State of emergency, there are indications of silent friction between the executive and legislative arms. The State House of Assembly has yet to fully reconvene following the screening of commissioner nominees, during which some candidates were rejected.

It was rumoured that the reason for the delay sitting by the assembly was to stay away from screening new list of commissioner nominees sent to them but that is yet to be confirmed as at the time this report was filed.

Meanwhile, stakeholders have warned that unless urgent steps are taken to address governance concerns, the situation could further impact development and public confidence.

They, called on the governor to break his silence, provide clarity on ongoing challenges, and outline concrete steps to reposition the state.