Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has made a significant financial disclosure, confirming that the state's treasury held approximately ₦600 billion upon his return to office after a six-month state of emergency. The governor made this revelation on Tuesday, 17 December 2025, during the commissioning of a major road project.
Road Commissioning Event Highlights Financial Position
Speaking at the official opening of the 14.2-kilometre Obodhi–Ozochi Road in the Ahoada East and Ahoada West local government areas, Governor Fubara provided a breakdown of the state's finances. He stated that more than ₦300 billion had been secured in the state's coffers before the period of emergency rule. Following that period, a balance of about ₦600 billion was available when he resumed his duties.
The governor used the platform to strongly defend his administration's financial management. He emphasised that fiscal discipline and accountability are the cornerstones of his leadership. Fubara firmly rejected any claims of poor financial management, suggesting that some criticism stems from his focus on tangible project execution rather than organising high-profile ceremonial events.
Commitment to Public Scrutiny and Project Delivery
Governor Fubara pledged that his government would provide detailed evidence of how public funds are being deployed across various projects and programmes. He assured residents that the administration's financial records are robust and can withstand any impartial scrutiny.
"Every available resource is being applied strictly in the interest of Rivers State and its people," Fubara declared. He pointed to the visible changes across the state as proof of responsible governance. The governor added that his administration would make public the details of expenditure and project financing within a promised six-month timeframe, allowing citizens to directly assess the use of state resources.
Infrastructure Focus and Project Continuity
The newly commissioned road project itself serves as an example of the administration's approach. Governor Fubara noted that the project was initially started under his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, during the 2023 general election period. His own administration later expanded the original plan by an additional 4.2 kilometres, bringing the total length to 14.2 kilometres to better serve community needs.
He also approved requests from residents for the construction of internal roads within the affected communities, signalling more infrastructure work to come. Fubara insisted that development outcomes, not public spectacle, would remain the true measure of his government's performance.
During the event, the governor also touched on politics, urging a former lawmaker and his ex-chief of staff, Edison Ehie, to convert the large turnout at the ceremony into sustained political support for President Bola Tinubu, to ease the president's re-election campaign task.
