By Ayo Kehinde
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, disclosing that more than ₦600 billion was available in the state’s coffers at the end of the emergency rule in Rivers State.
Governor Fubara made the disclosure on Wednesday, December 17, during the commissioning of the 14.2-kilometre Obodhi–Ozochi Road linking Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas. He stressed that his government’s financial records were intact, properly documented, and open to verification.
The governor’s remarks followed recent criticisms by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, who questioned the utilisation of public funds and lamented the condition of Township State School 1 along Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, despite its proximity to Government House.
Amaewhule had argued that the state government owed Rivers people an explanation on how resources were being deployed, given the apparent decay of some public facilities.
In a measured response, Fubara defended his administration’s fiscal discipline, insisting that the finances of the state were prudently managed.
“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 million. When we came back, we met about ₦600 billion and something. If there is one thing I can say and do that I’m even proud of, nobody can associate me with anything bad. So 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 said.
Fubara assured Rivers residents that his administration would, within six months, present comprehensive and verifiable reports detailing government expenditure. He attributed public misconceptions about the government’s performance to its deliberate policy of completing projects before commissioning them.
“Maybe the reason why some people believe that 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 said.
Speaking on the Obodhi–Ozochi Road project, the governor explained that it was initiated under the previous administration of Nyesom Wike, through a former lawmaker and then Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, as part of political mobilisation ahead of the 2023 general elections. He noted that his administration expanded the scope of the project to ensure its successful completion.
Fubara also approved requests by the host community for additional internal roads and called on Ehie and his supporters to mobilise political support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“I have only one request. On my way here, I couldn’t access my seat because of the mammoth crowd. This crowd, I’m asking Edison Ehie and your group to translate it into the support that we are going to give to Mr President come 2027”, the governor said.
The commissioning of the road, he noted, reflects his administration’s resolve to deliver impactful infrastructure while safeguarding public funds for the benefit of Rivers people.
