I Inherited Over ₦600bn After Emergency Rule, Says Gov Fubara — Responds to Assembly Criticism
I Inherited Over ₦600bn After Emergency Rule, Says Gov Fubara — Responds to Assembly Criticism
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has revealed that he returned to a state treasury holding about ₦600 billion after the six‑month emergency rule that temporarily removed him from office, affirming his commitment to prudent and transparent management of public funds.
Governor Fubara made the disclosure on Wednesday during the commissioning of the 14.2‑kilometre Obodhi–Ozochi Road, which links Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas.
He explained that before the emergency rule was imposed, the Rivers State government had about ₦300 billion in the coffers, but on his return to office after the crisis, the balance had grown to about ₦600 billion and something — a figure he said was fully documented and verifiable.
Fubara’s comments came amid criticism from the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, who had alleged that the governor was misusing the funds left behind after the state of emergency, including claims that funds were being deployed to influence lawmakers.
In response, Governor Fubara maintained that all state funds are being used responsibly, assuring Rivers residents that expenditure records are open and accountable. He said his administration would, within six months, present clear and verifiable details of how the public funds have been deployed for the development of the state.
“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 said, emphasising that no one can accuse his administration of financial impropriety.
Fubara attributed some of the criticisms to his preference for completing projects before holding commissioning ceremonies, rather than engaging in ostentatious public events. He insisted that visible development across the state is evidence of responsible governance.
On the Obodhi–Ozochi Road, the governor noted that the project was initially started by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, as part of political mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2023 general elections, and was later completed and expanded by his administration.
Governor Fubara’s revelation, coming as Rivers State continues to recover from a politically turbulent period that saw emergency governance and his suspension, has once again placed the spotlight on financial transparency, accountability, and governance in one of Nigeria’s most economically strategic states.
