Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sent a strong message to political leaders in the state, saying that no power is permanent, and the true test of leadership is how power is exercised. His comments came amid an ongoing political crisis involving the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Governor Fubara, who was speaking during the commissioning of the newly completed Bori Zonal Hospital in Khana Local Government Area, took the opportunity to address the crisis and reaffirm his commitment to the welfare of the people. He also shared his frustrations with the ongoing deadlock in the State Assembly, emphasizing his efforts to reach out to the Speaker of the Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and other members of the legislative body.
In his speech, Governor Fubara revealed that despite making numerous attempts to contact Amaewhule and the Assembly members, he had been unsuccessful. According to the governor, he sent several WhatsApp messages and made direct efforts to establish communication but was denied access to the Assembly complex. This, Fubara said, was in clear defiance of a Supreme Court ruling that called for dialogue and cooperation between the executive and the legislature.
Describing the situation as unfortunate, Governor Fubara expressed his willingness to return to the Assembly when perhaps the lawmakers might have received instructions to engage. He maintained that his efforts to reach out were made in good faith and out of a desire to ensure the smooth functioning of governance in the state.
In his remarks, Governor Fubara took the opportunity to remind politicians, especially those currently holding power, that no position is permanent. He warned that power, no matter how strong, does not last forever. What truly matters, he emphasized, is how those in power use their authority and influence. “No power lasts forever,” he said. “What matters is how we use power, and those who misuse power ultimately face destruction.” He also expressed his belief that life exists beyond political office, highlighting the importance of humility and restraint in leadership.
Governor Fubara’s comments on power were a direct response to the ongoing political impasse between the executive and the legislature in Rivers State. The relationship between the two arms of government has been strained in recent months, particularly in the wake of the political changes that followed his election as governor. The legislature, led by Speaker Amaewhule, has raised concerns about the governor’s decisions, especially regarding the 2025 state budget, which remains stalled due to disagreements over the presentation.
Despite these challenges, Governor Fubara assured his supporters that they had not lost the battle. He urged the youths, in particular, to remain steadfast and optimistic, stressing that “God will grant us victory in time.” The governor’s remarks reflect his determination to continue with his agenda for the development of the state, even in the face of political opposition.
Beyond the political crisis, the commissioning of the Bori Zonal Hospital marked a significant achievement for Governor Fubara’s administration. The hospital, located in Khana Local Government Area, had been left abandoned for over eight years. However, under Fubara’s leadership, the hospital was completed in just nine months with the help of indigenous contractors. This development is seen as a major step towards improving the healthcare system in Rivers State.
Governor Fubara explained that the hospital is part of his administration’s broader effort to improve healthcare facilities across the state. He said that his government is remodeling zonal hospitals to ease congestion in teaching hospitals, which are often overwhelmed with patients. The completion of the Bori Zonal Hospital is expected to provide relief to residents in the area and reduce the pressure on other healthcare facilities in the state.
The project’s completion comes at a time when the healthcare system in Nigeria is facing numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, shortage of medical personnel, and lack of access to quality healthcare in many regions. By investing in the Bori Zonal Hospital, Governor Fubara hopes to address some of these issues and provide better healthcare services to the people of Rivers State.
Governor Fubara’s remarks and the commissioning of the hospital also send a strong message that, despite the political tensions, his administration is focused on delivering tangible results for the people of Rivers State. The Bori Zonal Hospital is just one of several health projects underway, as the governor’s administration seeks to improve healthcare access for both urban and rural communities.
In his speech, Governor Fubara also called on other leaders in the state to work together for the good of the people. He emphasized the need for cooperation and dialogue between all arms of government to ensure that the interests of the people are prioritized. “Our responsibility is to serve the people,” he said. “We must put aside our differences and work together for the good of Rivers State.”
The governor’s message comes at a time when the state is grappling with significant political challenges. The Rivers State House of Assembly has been embroiled in a political crisis since the beginning of the year, with members divided over key issues, including the approval of the 2025 state budget. The disagreement between the executive and the legislature has led to delays in the passage of important policies and budgets, which has had a direct impact on the development of the state.
Despite these challenges, Governor Fubara’s administration remains focused on its development agenda. The completion of the Bori Zonal Hospital is a clear example of the governor’s commitment to improving the lives of the people, even in the face of political adversity.
As the political crisis continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the governor and the legislature will resolve their differences. However, Governor Fubara’s message is clear: no matter the obstacles, the interests of the people must always come first.
