By Dr. William Omuna, PhD, DD, JDL
NIGERIA, SOUTH SOUTH – Rivers State stands at a defining political crossroads where leadership performance, institutional stability, and people-focused governance must guide electoral decisions beyond partisan sentiments.
This opinion examines Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s record using verifiable facts, public data, and observable governance outcomes, positioning him as the most credible option for Rivers people.
Governor Fubara’s emergence and governance trajectory reflect continuity without complacency, reform without chaos, and people-centred administration despite persistent political distractions and institutional resistance.
Speaking on leadership under pressure, Fubara recently stated that “governance must remain focused on the people, regardless of political storms,” a position observers say defines his administration.
WHO IS SIMINALAYI FUBARA
Siminalayi Joseph Fubara’s academic and professional background demonstrates deep preparation for public finance management, institutional leadership, and policy-driven governance at the highest levels.
Born and educated in Opobo, Fubara attended Opobo Primary School and Comprehensive Secondary School, laying a foundation grounded in community-oriented learning and discipline.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from Rivers State University of Science and Technology, now Rivers State University, equipping him with public-sector financial competence.
Further strengthening his expertise, Fubara obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting from Enugu State University of Science and Technology, expanding his technical accounting capacity.
He later earned an MBA and an MSc in Finance from the University of Port Harcourt, credentials analysts describe as critical to his fiscal discipline orientation.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER AND PUBLIC SERVICE RISE
Governor Fubara’s public service career began in 2003 at the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board as a Principal Accountant, where he built a reputation for diligence.
By 2015, the state government appointed him Director of Finance and Accounts at the Government House, positioning him at the financial nerve-centre of Rivers governance.
In 2020, he rose to Permanent Secretary, and on December 23, 2022, he became Accountant-General of Rivers State before clinching the PDP governorship ticket.
Political analysts observed that his elevation reflected competence rather than patronage, a factor that strengthened public confidence ahead of the 2023 general election.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND ELECTION MANDATE
Governor Fubara holds several professional fellowships, including Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, and Nigerian Institute of Management.
In March 2023, Rivers voters elected him governor with 302,614 votes, a mandate widely interpreted as endorsement of technocratic leadership and governance reform.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission results, the victory cut across party strongholds, reflecting broad-based confidence in his leadership style.
GOVERNING UNDER PRESSURE, LEADING WITH VISION
Despite political disruptions, Governor Fubara has maintained administrative focus, insisting that “Rivers State must never be held hostage by personal interests.”
He pledged cooperation with the Rivers State House of Assembly, emphasizing inclusiveness, institutional harmony, and constitutional governance as pillars of sustainable development.
Observers note that his administration prioritized transparency after what civil society groups described as eight years of limited fiscal openness previously.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROJECT DELIVERY
Governor Fubara has commissioned and flagged off over ten major infrastructure projects, spanning roads, healthcare facilities, and public utilities across the state.
Among them is the 19.1-kilometre Buguma–Abalama–Tema–Degema–Abonnema Road, valued at ₦30.4 billion, enhancing coastal connectivity and economic inclusion.
Infrastructure analysts note that project execution followed open procurement processes, reinforcing the administration’s transparency and accountability commitments.
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY
The administration prioritised agriculture as an economic diversification tool, investing in training centres and introducing modern farming techniques statewide.
Governor Fubara revitalised the Songhai Farm, funded the Afam cassava processing factory, and approved participation in Special Agro-Processing Zones initiatives.
According to state officials, these interventions aim to reduce food imports, expand rural employment, and strengthen agro-industrial value chains.
EDUCATION AND HUMAN CAPITAL INVESTMENT
Governor Fubara approved free WASSCE registration for public school students, reducing financial barriers and improving educational access for disadvantaged families.
He also approved construction of Computer-Based Test centres across senatorial districts, modernising examination processes and reducing urban congestion.
The administration increased funding to Rivers State University, addressing infrastructural gaps and facilitating graduation of over 13,242 students recently.
Teachers benefited from promotions, arrears payments, and ₦100,000 support grants in December 2023, a gesture unions described as unprecedented in Rivers history.
HEALTHCARE SYSTEM STRENGTHENING
In healthcare, the governor inaugurated the Ahoada Zonal Hospital and expanded services at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.
The administration established a stroke centre, burn unit, expanded ICU capacity, and recruited additional healthcare workers statewide.
Notably, the government reconstructed zonal hospitals in Degema, Bori, Omoku, and Ahoada, alongside Rumuigbo General Hospital upgrades.
.ECONOMIC GROWTH AND REVENUE PERFORMANCE
State fiscal data indicates Rivers’ Internally Generated Revenue increased from ₦12 billion to ₦27 billion since Fubara assumed office in 2023.
.Economic experts attribute this growth to improved tax administration, investor confidence restoration, and leakages reduction initiatives.
SECURITY, UNITY, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Governor Fubara strengthened collaboration with security agencies, including the Navy, to protect oil and gas infrastructure across riverine communities.
He facilitated peace dialogues, reunited political stakeholders, and provided financial support to widows and orphans of fallen security personnel.
Community leaders confirm improved stability, countering narratives portraying Rivers State as unsafe for investment.
CONCLUSION: A CASE FOR CONTINUITY
Available statistics, independent assessments, and on-ground evidence consistently rank Governor Siminalayi Fubara highly among contemporary Nigerian governors.
Rivers voters, therefore, face a clear choice anchored on performance, resilience, and people-centred governance rather than political distractions.
As stated by Dr. William Omuna, “no surveyed alternative presently matches this record under comparable challenges,” reinforcing the case for continuity.
Supporting Governor Fubara for a second term aligns with Rivers State’s long-term stability, inclusive development, and collective prosperity goals.
