Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State confirmed that he found around ₦600 billion in the state’s coffers upon his return to office following the six-month period of emergency.
The governor underlined his administration’s commitment to financial discipline, emphasizing that judicious use of public resources is still vital to his leadership.
Martin Amaewhule, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, previously revealed that Vice Admiral Ikot Ibas (rtd), the sole administrator under the emergency rule, left around ₦600 billion in the state’s coffers.
Fubara confirmed the amount while speaking at the inauguration of the 14.2-kilometer Obodhi-Ozochi Road, which connects settlements in the state’s Ahoada East and Ahoada West LGAs.
The governor stated that the state’s treasury had about ₦300 billion before the emergency rule, which had swelled to approximately ₦600 billion when he returned to office.
He promised that within six months, his government would offer clear and verifiable information on how public dollars are being spent.
“Today, I want to say to the whole world that during the emergency rule, our records are there. We left over ₦300 billion and something,” Fubara said.
“When we came back, we met about ₦600 billion and something. For every penny that we are spending, the records are there, and evidence will be shown between now and the next six months.
“So there should be no question about what we are doing with our money. At least, nobody can take away my sincerity and genuineness.”
The governor refuted common misconceptions about state finance management, attributing them in part to his administration’s predilection for completing projects without lavish public flag-off celebrations.
He mentioned that in addition to the projects that are now being commissioned, several other initiatives of substantial significance are underway throughout the state.
Fubara reiterated that his administration’s record on accountability and financial management remains good, claiming that all available resources are being used solely for the benefit of Rivers State and its people.
The governor said that the Obodhi-Ozochi Road project was launched by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, as part of efforts to gather support for the 2023 general elections via a former lawmaker and his then Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.
He stated that Ehie delivered on the project, necessitating not only the completion of the road but also its expansion beyond the initial concept.
According to him, the project was expanded by 4.2 km, bringing the overall length to 14.2 kilometers.
Fubara also authorized the community’s request to build internal roads and asked Edison Ehie to turn the enormous turnout at the commissioning event into long-term political support for President Bola Tinubu
