Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured the people of Bonny Kingdom of accelerated infrastructure development, promising that key projects will be delivered in Grand Bonny before the end of the first quarter of 2026 to address years of infrastructural neglect.
The governor gave the assurance on Saturday during a grand reception organised in his honour by the Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, Perekule XI, in collaboration with the Bonny Chiefs Council.
Governor Fubara was in the ancient kingdom to attend the Iria ceremony of Her Majesty, Queen Paula Tamunoipirinye Pepple, wife of the monarch, which took place at Ikuba Square.
Addressing traditional rulers and members of the Chiefs Council, the governor described Bonny as a strategic economic hub of global importance, stressing that its status demanded a stronger and more visible presence of government to complement the operations of multinational companies, particularly Nigeria LNG (NLNG).
“Bonny has expanded. It needs internal roads and more economic activities. NLNG is here, and the government needs to be here too,” Fubara said.
He announced plans to construct new internal road networks across the kingdom, execute shoreline protection projects to combat erosion, and roll out initiatives aimed at stimulating local economic activities to ensure sustainable growth.
“Before the end of the first quarter of 2026, you will see and feel the presence of the Rivers State Government here,” the governor assured.
Reflecting on his time in office, Fubara described the first 23 months of his administration as turbulent, noting that political instability had slowed the pace of governance and service delivery.
“Twenty-three months of my administration have been faced with challenges. The instruments meant for effective governance are the same ones making things difficult. It has never been our desire to deny our people the feel of government,” he said.
Despite these challenges, the governor said his administration had recorded notable gains from inherited projects in Bonny, particularly in the education sector, and pledged to scale up development efforts across the kingdom.
“I believe you are already seeing good results from some of the projects. But that is just the beginning,” he added.
Governor Fubara also paid glowing tribute to King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III for his support during what he described as the most difficult moments of his administration. He accepted a traditional title, Amaopusenibo of Bonny Kingdom, conferred on him during the visit, describing the honour as a call to greater service.
“Our relationship is not based on benefits; it is pure and natural. Chieftaincy is a call to duty to Bonny and Rivers State. I will not let you down,” he said, urging leaders at all levels to view leadership as a sacred trust.
Earlier, the Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom said the kingdom used the opportunity of the Iria ceremony to formally receive the governor, noting that the concerns presented by the Chiefs Council reflected the genuine development needs of the people.
The Chairman of the Bonny Chiefs Council, Se-Alabo Lt. Col. (rtd.) Dagogo Soala Wilcox, speaking on behalf of the kingdom, expressed delight at hosting the governor. He commended Fubara for appointing several Ibani sons and daughters into key positions in his administration and outlined priority areas requiring urgent state government intervention.
Meanwhile, the governor had earlier visited Buguma City in Asari-Toru Local Government Area, where he paid his last respects to the late Hon. Mrs. Agbani Roseline Amachree, mother of Hon. Ojukaye Flag Amachree.
By Nzeuzor Jane and Maduadugwo Jane, Port-Harcourt
