By Emeka Amaefula
RIVERS IN RUINS: SPEAKER SLAMS GOVERNOR OVER DYING SCHOOLS, CITIZEN JOURNALIST PRINCEWILL DIKE DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY
Rivers State is on the brink of a governance meltdown as public schools crumble and citizens bear the brunt of official neglect. Speaker Rt. Hon. Martins Chike Amaewhule has delivered a scathing indictment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s cabinet, declaring:
“It is unacceptable that public institutions remain in such a state of disrepair while citizens continue to suffer!”
The Speaker did not mince words, highlighting shocking lapses across the state. Even primary schools near Government House and the Rivers State Police Command operate without adequate teaching staff. Pedestrians are reportedly stepping in to teach in place of trained educators. Amaewhule questioned why the government has failed to employ teachers, noting that the previous administration ensured government-owned schools were fully staffed before the end of its tenure.
Citizen journalist Barrister Princewill A. Dike echoed the call for decisive action: “Words alone will not save Rivers people. The Assembly must go the whole hog and hold Governor Fubara accountable—or risk being complicit in this disaster!”
Financial controversies have only fueled public anger. Claims that ₦600 billion flowed into state coffers over six months have been challenged. Verified data shows: FAAC receipts (March–August 2025): ₦401.9 billion; State Government share after LGA allocations: ₦254.6 billion; Estimated Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): ₦162 billion. Total available funds: ≈ ₦416.6 billion. Mandatory expenditures (recurrent + debt service): ≈ ₦203.69 billion, leaving a theoretical remaining balance before extraordinary payments of ≈ ₦212.9 billion.
With schools rotting and financial claims in dispute, Rivers residents are demanding answers. Experts warn that ongoing neglect of education and the circulation of unverified figures threaten to erode public trust in both the Executive and the Legislature.
The Assembly now faces mounting pressure: act decisively or watch public confidence collapse. Rivers’ children deserve more than empty promises—they deserve a future. From a State of Emergency rule back to the Rivers State House of Assembly calling for impending impeachment against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the message is clear: accountability cannot wait.
——–Emeka Amaefula —-+234(0)8111813069—
