Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has made a significant disclosure about the state's financial standing, stating his administration inherited more than ₦600 billion in government accounts following the period of emergency rule imposed by the federal government.
Governor's Financial Disclosure and Defense
Governor Fubara made this revelation on Wednesday during the official commissioning ceremony of the newly constructed 14.2-kilometre Obodhi–Ozochi Road. This vital infrastructure project connects the Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas.
In his address, the governor provided a detailed financial timeline. He asserted that before the declaration of emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu, his government had left approximately ₦300 billion in the state's coffers. He emphasized that official records substantiate this claim.
"Today, I want to also say to the whole world, when we left during the emergency rule, our records were there. We left over ₦300 billion. When we came back, we met about ₦600 billion and something," Governor Fubara stated confidently.
Legislative Scrutiny Sparks Tension
The governor's comments served as an indirect response to recent criticisms leveled by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule. The Speaker had earlier raised serious concerns about the management of state funds and the condition of public infrastructure.
During a plenary session, Speaker Amaewhule had corroborated the figure, disclosing that over ₦600 billion was indeed handed over to the state government after the emergency rule was lifted. His critique focused sharply on the apparent lack of development, using the poor state of Township State School 1 on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, as a prime example.
Amaewhule highlighted the school's deplorable condition, noting the absence of basic amenities like functional toilets, despite its close proximity to the Government House. These remarks were made following a report by the House Committee on Education, chaired by Hon. Aforji Igwe, after an inspection visit. This exchange has visibly reignited tensions between the executive and legislative arms of the state government.
Commitment to Transparency and Project Delivery
In his defense, Governor Fubara maintained a firm stance on his administration's integrity and commitment to prudent financial management. He assured residents that all state funds are being utilized responsibly and that expenditure records are open for verification.
"If there is one thing I can say and do that I’m even proud of, nobody can associate me with anything bad. Your money and the records of how your money is being spent are intact. We have very strong projects that we are doing," the governor declared.
He further provided a concrete assurance, promising that within the next six months, his government would present clear and verifiable details of how public funds have been deployed across various projects in the state.
Governor Fubara also offered an explanation for the perceived lack of visible activity, attributing it to his administration's operational philosophy. He clarified that his government prioritizes the actual completion of projects over frequent ceremonial flag-off events.
"Maybe the reason some people believe there is something happening that they are not aware of is that we don’t believe in fluffing off projects. We believe in commissioning them," he concluded, reinforcing his focus on tangible results rather than publicity stunts.
