Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has accused lawmakers of preventing him from presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill at the Assembly Quarters, despite officially notifying the House leadership of his intention.
Speaking on Wednesday at the inauguration of the Bori Zonal Hospital in Khana Local Government Area, Fubara expressed disappointment over the incident. He emphasized the need for all stakeholders to protect the state’s economy and ensure civil servants do not face hardship, in line with the Supreme Court’s judgment.
He stated, “I made frantic efforts to reach the Speaker, which I believe he cannot deny, alongside other members of the Assembly. I even sent WhatsApp messages to them, notifying them that I would be coming at 10 am to present the budget. This was to ensure that Rivers State does not face any crisis because of me, as some have alleged. But unfortunately, when we got there this morning, we were denied access. And the next thing I heard was that no communication was made. I leave everything to God, who sees all things in secret.”
Fubara maintained that he followed due process and expressed hope that the lawmakers would adhere to the Supreme Court ruling.
“I am aware of reports in the media claiming there was no communication or effort on my part. So, I am using this platform to clarify the situation,” he said.
He further remarked, “Like I have always said, nothing lasts forever. Even the greatest power eventually comes to an end. What matters is how we use power. I have chosen not to abuse mine, no matter what they claim. When power is abused, it leads to situations like this. But I will remain restrained because I know that there is life after power.”
During the event, Fubara highlighted that the inauguration of the Bori Zonal Hospital aligned with his administration’s ‘Rivers First’ agenda, particularly in healthcare. He noted that the project was originally started under former Governor Chibuike Amaechi, continued by his predecessor, but was left incomplete.
“When we came on board, we saw the need to ensure that all Zonal Hospitals—not just Bori, but also Etche, Ahoada, Omoku, and Degema—are completed,” he explained.
He emphasized the importance of these secondary healthcare facilities in reducing congestion at teaching hospitals, ensuring better access to medical care for residents.
“If the Zonal Hospitals are properly equipped, there will be less congestion at the teaching hospitals. That is why we didn’t just renovate this facility; we expanded it and ensured it met the standards of a modern healthcare centre. Today, to the glory of God, all these facilities are in place.”
Fubara directed the Commissioner for Health to immediately open the hospital for public use.
Dr. Adaeze Oreh, the Commissioner for Health, described the hospital as a 105-bed secondary healthcare centre designed to offer world-class medical services. She noted that hospital attendance in Rivers South-East had surged by nearly 60 percent—from 589,000 patients in 2022 to almost 1,000,000 by 2024—due to increased government investment.
“This hospital, located in Bori, Khana LGA, is a three-story building with additional facilities, including a laundry, mortuary, staff quarters for 24 health personnel, and a parking space for 50 vehicles,” she said.
She added that the hospital is equipped to handle surgical cases, high-risk pregnancies, trauma, critical healthcare conditions, newborn injuries, and mental health services for residents of Ogoniland and the Rivers South-East Senatorial District.
Helen Chiorlu, Head of Local Government Administration for Khana LGA, commended Fubara for delivering a facility that would significantly improve healthcare services in the region.
