Residents of Rivers State are expressing mixed reactions on social media over who should be held responsible for the worsening condition of roads in Port Harcourt following recent flooding across parts of the city.
Several areas have reportedly been badly affected, with commuters and business owners lamenting deteriorating road surfaces and stagnant water. Observers point to the Ogbogoro–Ozuoba section of the Port Harcourt Ring Road project, where floodwater has formed what some describe as a “dirty river,” as well as persistent stagnant water around the Mile 1 axis of Ikwerre Road.
Some residents blame the Rivers State Government, saying more attention should be given to infrastructure and drainage management. Bright Jossy, a supporter of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and media aide to the Emohua Local Government Council chairman, criticised the state leadership, urging Governor Siminalayi Fubara to focus more on governance despite ongoing political disputes.
He said governance should not suffer due to struggles over political structure, adding that previous governors continued to deliver projects despite political conflicts. He cited former Governors Peter Odili, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nyesom Wike as examples of leaders who sustained infrastructure development while facing political battles at the state and federal levels.
Jossy described the situation in parts of Port Harcourt as “very sorry” and called for urgent intervention, stressing that neglect of critical roads and drainage systems is affecting daily life and economic activities.
Peter Ozunem a resident of Port Harcourt said, “if governor is to return for second term what will he tell rivers state that he did for us, or will he tell us he’s busy fighting wike? Tell him to wake up.“
“This na the kind governance wey Gov. Fubara dey encourage, loud grammar, press inspections, but zero impact for grassroots. Drainage wey suppose be basic thing don turn luxury for fubara government.Market women dey suffer, traders dey lose customers, road dey spoil, yet e dey form “we are working“ Rivers people no vote for excuses, na results we want,” Jackson Precious stated.
Iyke Man on his part said, “Fixing roads, especially a Trunk B Road, is the State Govt’s job, not the Local Govt’s. Like asking the Eleme LGA chairman to fix the East-West Road.”
“This is a state road and the Chairman can’t just work on it without the state government approval,” Akwu Eze noted.
However, other residents and supporters of the state government argue that responsibility for some of the affected roads and drainage channels lies with the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area. Tina Briggs, a supporter of Governor Fubara, questioned why local authorities have not addressed blocked drainage systems and failed road sections around Mile 1 Market Road, despite receiving allocations.
While Jude Ubabni said, “We all miss Ezebunwo Ichemati ,The city is no longer safe for business and investors.”
The debate continues as residents call for swift action from all relevant authorities to address flooding, fix damaged roads, and restore normal traffic flow across the city.
