Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara announced on Wednesday that his administration discovered more than 600 billion naira ($366 million) in government accounts following the lifting of emergency rule, countering criticisms over the handling of public funds.
Fubara made the disclosure during the inauguration of a 14.2-kilometre road project connecting Ahoada East and Ahoada West local government areas, amid ongoing tensions with the state legislature over financial accountability and infrastructure maintenance.
The governor asserted that prior to the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu, his team had left approximately 300 billion naira in state coffers, with records available to verify expenditures.
“Today, I want to also say to the whole world. When we left during the emergency rule, our records were there. We left over N300 million. When we came back, we met about N600 billion and something,” Fubara stated.
He emphasized transparency in fund usage, adding: “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.”
Fubara promised that within six months, his government would provide detailed accounts of public spending to address skepticism.
The remarks come in response to accusations from Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule, who claimed the former sole administrator during emergency rule, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired), handed over more than 600 billion naira.
Amaewhule has criticized the administration for neglecting public schools, citing a legislative committee report on dilapidated facilities, including one near the government house lacking basic amenities like toilets.
Fubara attributed some of the backlash to his focus on completing projects before public unveilings, rather than holding preliminary ceremonies.
“Maybe the reason why some people believe that there is something that is happening that they are not aware of, is that we don’t believe in fluffing off projects. We believe in commissioning them,” he explained.
The newly commissioned Obodhi-Ozochi Road was originally started under former Governor Nyesom Wike for electoral purposes and completed by Fubara’s team.
At the event, Fubara approved additional internal road constructions in the area and called on supporters to rally behind President Tinubu for the 2027 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 this crowd to the support that we are going to give to Mr President come 2027,” he urged.
The political rift in Rivers State has intensified since the emergency rule, highlighting divisions between the executive and legislative branches over governance and resource management.
