Despite mounting political challenges, the administration of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has marked its third anniversary in office.

Barely six months after assuming office on May 29, 2023, Fubara became embroiled in a protracted political crisis that has continued to shape the political landscape of the state.

The governor also survived repeated impeachment attempts by the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule.

The lingering political tension eventually culminated in his withdrawal from the governorship race, a development that reportedly sent shockwaves across his support base.

Fubara, however, has consistently maintained that no sacrifice is too great in the interest of peace and stability in the state.

Meanwhile, the governor has reaffirmed his commitment to the “Rivers First” mantra, describing it as the guiding philosophy behind the policies and programmes of his administration over the past three years.

In a goodwill message marking the anniversary, Fubara in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Onwuka Nzeshi,said prioritising the welfare and interests of Rivers people has remained the central focus of his government in the last 36 months.

According to him, the huge investments made in road infrastructure were aimed at linking rural communities with urban centres and creating economic opportunities for residents.

He noted that the vision of transforming Rivers State into an investment destination informed the execution of projects such as the Port Harcourt Ring Road, Trans-Kalabari Highway, Elele/Umudioga/Egbeda/Ubimini/Ikiri/Omoku Road and the Ngo-Atlantic/Oyorokoto Road, among others.

The governor added that his administration had also strengthened the education and healthcare sectors while prioritising peace and security across the state.

Fubara expressed appreciation to Rivers people for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the state, assuring them that public resources would continue to be deployed for the collective good.

He attributed the achievements recorded by his administration to the cooperation, resilience, resourcefulness and enterprise of the people.

“What we have achieved in three years is proof that when government and citizens pull in the same direction, progress is possible.

“As we mark this anniversary, I renew my commitment to you: to lead with transparency, listen more than I speak, and ensure that every project, every policy and every naira spent reflects your interest,” he said.

The governor acknowledged that more work still needs to be done and urged elders, youths, women, traders, teachers, farmers, artisans and professionals to continue contributing to the development of the state.

Fubara also congratulated the people of Rivers State and Nigerians on the nation’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, describing it as the longest stretch of civil rule since independence.

According to him, the milestone demonstrates that Nigeria’s diverse ethnic nationalities can coexist, disagree and still work together for national progress.