|By Adejumo Adekunle
PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA — In a heartfelt tribute laced with reverence and admiration, His Excellency Sir Dr. Siminalayi Joseph Fubara, GSSRS, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, has been gloriously hailed as the “Diamond Governor”—a befitting metaphor for his brilliance, incorruptibility, and enduring legacy—as he marks his second year in office.
In a state that has seen an array of political actors—from golden to silver, even iron-willed administrators—Governor Fubara’s emergence stands out like a luminous gem in the annals of democratic governance in Rivers State. Unlike any before him, his leadership has radiated authentic transparency, unblemished values, and an unshakable commitment to the prosperity of the people.
“Gold is precious,” said Hon. Warigbani Ezekiel, a former governorship candidate in Rivers State, “but diamond is forever—and in Fubara, Rivers State has found a truly indestructible gem.”
Amidst torrential political storms, coordinated antagonism, and ruthless distractions, Governor Fubara has remained undaunted, unflinching, and immaculately calm. His resolve in the face of opposition has become a benchmark for resilient leadership, resisting every attempt to derail his vision with graceful firmness and unwavering dedication.
Transformational Milestones
In just two short years, the Fubara administration has recorded a cascade of reforms that many considered unimaginable:
- Demonstrated that Rivers State can thrive solely on internally generated revenue (IGR) without incurring external debts.
- Ensured that contracts are fully paid for without delays or debts—a rarity in Nigerian governance.
- Promoted workers after over a decade of neglect and cleared all backlog of salaries.
- Paid pensioners consistently and transparently, restoring dignity to a forgotten demographic.
- Distributed N100,000 Christmas bonuses to civil servants, a first in the state’s history.
- Conducted non-partisan employment exercises, offering merit-based opportunities to Rivers indigenes and other Nigerians.
- Gifted 319 cows and ₦1 million each to every ward, even during his private vacation—showcasing his unwavering generosity.
Notably, despite monumental achievements, Governor Fubara has not borrowed a single naira from any financial institution, yet the state remains financially buoyant and remarkably efficient. His government, under severe scrutiny and aggressive probes, has emerged spotless, with over ₦300 billion left in state coffers, no outstanding debts, and a leap in IGR from ₦12 billion to an astonishing ₦28 billion monthly.
A Legacy Etched in Diamond
Hon. Warigbani described Governor Fubara’s leadership as “astonishingly wonderful,” asserting that his administration has permanently redefined the ethics, practice, and vision of governance in Rivers State.
“Against enemies’ threats and fabricated allegations, no stain has been found. Instead, Fubara has stood as a towering symbol of fiscal prudence, social equity, and fearless accountability,” he said.
As the people of Rivers State commemorate two years of progressive leadership, the narrative is clear: Fubara is not just a governor—he is a watershed leader, a defiant reformer, and indeed, a Diamond whose luster shall never fade.
