RIVERS GOV.FUBARA ALIGNS WITH ASSEMBLY, SAYS IBAS LEFT ₦600BN FOR DEVELOPMENT
By Emeka Amaefula
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has disclosed that the Sole Administrator who administered the affairs of the state between March and September, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (rtd.), left about ₦600 billion in the state’s coffers, a development he said provides a solid financial base for ongoing and future projects across the state.
Governor Fubara made the disclosure on Wednesday during the inauguration of the 14.2-kilometre Obodhi–Ozochi Road linking Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas. He also revealed that he had personally left about ₦300 billion in the state treasury at the time President Bola Tinubu suspended him from office in March, underscoring what he described as a consistent culture of fiscal discipline in the management of public resources.
The governor’s remarks aligned with the recent position of the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, who last week urged the executive arm to deploy available funds toward the rehabilitation of the education sector and other critical areas of need.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accountability and transparency, Fubara insisted that disciplined financial management remains the cornerstone of his leadership. He assured residents that within the next six months, his government would present clear and verifiable evidence detailing how public funds are being deployed for development.
“Our records on accountability and financial management are unassailable,” the governor said. “Every penny we are spending is documented. Evidence will be shown between now and the next six months. Nobody can question my sincerity or genuineness. I am not associated with fraudulent acts. My professional background is in accounts, and record-keeping is my strength.”
Governor Fubara dismissed misconceptions surrounding the management of state resources, attributing some of the criticisms to his administration’s deliberate avoidance of flamboyant project flag-off ceremonies. According to him, several impactful projects are currently ongoing across the state, beyond those being commissioned.
“We don’t believe in flagging off projects, wasting money, or abandoning them. We believe in commissioning what we have truly delivered with the people’s money,” he said.
He stressed that all available resources are being deployed strictly in the interest of Rivers State and its people, adding that the visible transformation across the state is proof of prudent and responsible governance.
On the Obodhi–Ozochi Road project, Governor Fubara explained that it was initiated by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, as part of political mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2023 general elections through former lawmaker and then Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie. He said his administration considered it imperative to complete the project after assuming office.
“When we came on board, it was only natural that we saw this project to its conclusion,” Fubara said. “In appreciation of the support from your son, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, we extended the road by an additional 4.2 kilometres, bringing the total length to 14.2 kilometres, which we are commissioning today.”
He noted that Ehie delivered effectively on the assignment, making it necessary not only to complete the road but also to expand its scope beyond the original design.
Responding to appeals from the host communities, the governor immediately approved the construction of internal roads and charged Ehie to translate the massive turnout at the commissioning ceremony into sustained political support for President Bola Tinubu, noting that such backing would significantly ease the President’s re-election efforts while strengthening development partnerships.
—– Emeka Amaefula —-+234(0)8111813069—–
