The Rivers Grassroots Movement (RGM) has officially welcomed the return to democratic governance in Rivers State, offering a strong endorsement to Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, and the newly-resumed State House of Assembly
In a press statement signed by its National Leader, High Chief Hon. Amb. Sobomabo Jackrich (Egberipapa), the RGM praised the Governor’s immediate actions following months of political uncertainty, calling the steps “people-centered” and “reassuring.”
The RGM highlighted several of Governor Fubara’s decisions as evidence of a shift towards transparent, people-oriented governance:
Project Reactivation: The Movement commended the Governor for his swift direction in reactivating previously stalled infrastructure projects and mobilising contractors back to sites, a move it said “signals renewed progress” and restores hope.
Contract Revocation and Refund: The RGM “especially appreciate[d]” the decisive action to revoke the \text{₦134 billion} Secretariat Renovation contract awarded during the emergency administration. The statement argued the contract “did not reflect prudent fiscal management,” and applauded the Governor for ordering a refund of the \text{₦20 billion} in payments already made, showcasing fiscal discipline.
The group also applauded the approval for the payment of eight months’ salary arrears to approximately \text{1,000} newly recruited health workers under the Rivers State Hospitals Management Board. This action, set to be disbursed alongside October salaries, reaffirms the administration’s commitment to strengthening the health sector.
”Taken together, these actions… illustrate a clear and welcome shift toward transparent, people-oriented governance that places the interests of Rivers people first,” the statement read.
While endorsing the executive arm, the RGM also challenged the Rivers State House of Assembly to use its resumed legislative capacity to address a critical economic concern: housing affordability.
The Movement expressed deep concern over the “rapid escalation of rents and the proliferation of excessive agent fees” in Port Harcourt, which are making housing increasingly unaffordable.
The RGM called on the Assembly to urgently review and amend the Rivers State Landlord & Tenants Law (Edict \text{1991}) to:
✓Contain exploitative practices by some real estate practitioners.
✓Regulate unreasonable agent fees and sundry charges.
✓Create mechanisms to protect tenants from arbitrary and predatory increases.
”The current economic realities—rising prices and dwindling household incomes—demand proactive legislative action,” the RGM stated, urging legislators to engage with all stakeholders to craft amendments that are fair, enforceable, and responsive to the prevailing economic challenges faced by Rivers people.
Concluding its statement, the Rivers Grassroots Movement formally reaffirmed its support for the Fubara administration, stressing that its endorsement is for “the future of Rivers State—a future grounded in prudent stewardship, social investment, and tangible development for the people.”
The organisation urged all arms of government, civil society, traditional institutions, and every Rivers person to join hands in rebuilding trust, accelerating development, and defending the common good.
