Rivers State’s $33 billion GDP economy appears to have remained in a state of zero growth, at least since Governor Siminalayi Fubara returned to office following a six-month suspension triggered by President Bola Tinubu’s emergency rule declaration.
The oil-driven economy has shown little or no tangible improvement since the embattled Fubara administration assumed office in May 2023. A prolonged political standoff between the governor and his political benefactor, Nyesom Wike—now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)—has significantly weighed on the state’s economic trajectory.
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The conflict, marked by repeated impeachment attempts initiated by the State House of Assembly reportedly aligned with Wike, has created persistent instability, undermining governance and investor confidence.
Today, Port Harcourt, the state capital and its commercial nerve centre, presents a diminished profile. Once regarded as a vibrant oil hub, the city now appears less resilient, with subdued business activity and periodic security disruptions. Incidents involving gang violence and political thuggery have further weakened the social and economic fabric.
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A recent example is the burning and destruction of the state office of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), one of the country’s major opposition parties, underscoring the tense political climate.
In an attempt to reset governance, Governor Fubara recently submitted a list of nine commissioner nominees to the State House of Assembly for approval. However, the Assembly approved only five of the nominees, rejecting four.
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Among those rejected was Datonye Dennis Alasia, a consultant nephrologist and professor of medicine at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Alasia, who serves as Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) at UPTH, has extensive experience in clinical governance, healthcare policy implementation, and hospital administration.
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