Rivers State Governor Fubara Defends Financial Transparency, Says ₦600 Billion Found After Emergency Rule

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has stated that his administration found over ₦600 billion in the state’s coffers after the end of emergency rule, emphasizing his commitment to prudent and transparent management of public funds.

Fubara explained that before President Bola Tinubu declared emergency rule in Rivers State, his government left about ₦300 billion in state accounts, a fact supported by official records. After the emergency rule was lifted, the funds discovered were more than ₦600 billion.

The governor made these remarks on Wednesday during the commissioning of the 14.2-kilometre Obodhi Ozochi Road, linking Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas.

His comments came in response to criticisms from the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, who questioned the condition of public schools and raised concerns about the use of funds left by the previous Sole Administrator, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd). Amaewhule highlighted the poor state of Township State School 1 in Port Harcourt, noting the lack of basic facilities despite its proximity to Government House.

Amaewhule’s remarks, based on a report from the House Committee on Education, appeared to revive tensions between the executive and legislative branches.

In response, Fubara assured that all state funds are being used responsibly, with expenditure records that are open, transparent, and verifiable. He said, “Today, I want to also say to the whole world, when we left during the emergency rule, our records were there. We left over ₦300 billion. When we came back, we met about ₦600 billion and something.”

The governor expressed confidence in his leadership’s integrity and assured residents that records of public spending are intact and accessible. “If there is one thing I can say and do that I’m even proud of, nobody can associate me with anything bad. Your money and the records of how your money is being spent are intact. We have very strong projects that we are doing,” he added.

Fubara also promised that within six months, his administration would present clear and verifiable details of how public funds are being deployed across the state.

He explained that some criticisms arise because his government prefers to complete projects before commissioning them, rather than holding frequent flag-off ceremonies. “Maybe the reason some people believe there is something happening that they are not aware of is that we don’t believe in flagging off projects. We believe in commissioning them,” he said.