Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State (centre) with Ngozi Oradu (Deputy Governor and others)
…says traditional rulers are their most trusted medium to rural areas and the public
Rivers State Governor Siminalai Fubara has come out smoking, apparently having spent about two weeks studying the situation in his state. He has started reactivating projects that were stalled during the six months of his absence.
This happened when they canceled the N134bn renovation contract where N20bn was handed over as 'mobilisation fee' to a foreign contractor without a bidding process.
Now, Fubara says they have reactivated most of the stalled projects, especially the N195bn Port Harcourt Ring Road, and all contractors have returned to site.
He has also said that he will rely on traditional rulers to reach out to remote parts of Rivers State, adding that they actually represent grassroots leaders.
ALSO READ: Fubara bites teeth, cancels N134bn renovation work awarded by Soul administrator at last minute
Governor Fubara disclosed this during a meeting held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, with traditional rulers to acquaint them with the return to governance following emergency rule in the state.
The Governor briefed the traditional rulers on the government's efforts to reactivate stalled projects across the state, and assured them that major works including the Port Harcourt Ring Road, hospitals and roads have resumed.
He stressed that the interests of Rivers people are paramount in all government undertakings, adding that the administration is committed to addressing any challenges faced by the communities.
“My meeting with you this afternoon is to tell you that we are back. It is not me, it is all of us. The government has restarted. Our projects, if you know, most of the project sites have reopened. The Ring Road has reopened. Hospitals have been sent back to the sites. Roads, as of today, we have had meetings with all the contractors. They have all gone back to the sites.
“Also, other development issues too. I believe most of those that were cut, we will revisit them. Because at the end of the day, it is about the people. We must ensure that the interests of our people are paramount in whatever we are doing. If you see, every area of the system has been activated.”
He acknowledged the unique position of traditional rulers as the closest leaders to the people and their important role as guardians of culture and grassroots leaders in promoting peace and driving development, and appealed to them to maintain peace within their domains as a way of supporting government initiatives.
Governor Fubara promised to respect traditional institutions, describing them as progenitors and pillars of the state and assured them of continued engagement and support.
“While being in Government House, you cannot dictate from Port Harcourt what happens in the innermost space of Kula. You may have a local government chairman; you may have a councillor, but who is the closest, who controls the families, the sub-leaders of the communities that make up the big states? It is you all here who control them. So, if we have to pray for peace, if we have to bow to development, who are those people to be? Whom should I always listen to? It is you.
ALSO READ: Return of Fubara: Hope returns to N195bn PH Ring Road project
“You know the problem, you understand the needs of the people. So, we are appealing that we need more peace. You want us to succeed, make sure you maintain peace in your communities. Make sure you support government programs. On my part, I will give you the respect you deserve.”
The governor also announced plans to fulfill pending commitments to traditional rulers, including the provision of vehicles and other benefits to their hierarchs, and promised that these would be delivered by the end of November.
He also addressed the importance of quarterly council meetings, urging the Council President to remain apolitical and focus on promoting the collective interests of the state.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Eze and Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Chike Worlu Wodo, who is the Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, Eze Oha Apara (IV), recalled the experience of the state and traditional rulers during the emergency rule, and expressed gratitude to God for the return of the governor. He thanked them for the maturity and courage displayed during a difficult moment.
In their separate speeches, other kings of Ogbaland, Amanyanabo of Bonny, Amanyanabo of Abonnema and Eze of Omuma Kingdom, noted the organic support of the Rivers people for the governor, and attributed his return as God's answer to the people's prayers.
He said Rivers State is back on its feet, and urged the Governor to continue the developmental projects he had always started, and focus on youth empowerment, employment creation and community development.
Saying that these are the surest foundations for lasting peace, the monarchs assured the Governor of the traditional institution's commitment and readiness to continue supporting the government's developmental agenda.
Governor Fubara showed his patience a few days ago when he canceled at the last minute the N134bn renovation contract awarded to a Chinese company by the Sole Administrator.
The governor also ordered the company to return the N20Bn entrusted to them to commence the work as they were yet to arrive at the site.
The governor promised to advertise jobs and other projects for pre-qualification to select the best bidders. The move has put all eyes on what might have happened under the dark carpet during the emergency rule.
