The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, articulated his indifference regarding the Federal High Court’s ruling which halts the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing allocations to the state.
In this context, the governor asserted that his methodology in addressing the crisis, in compliance with the directives of President Bola Tinubu, has inadvertently strengthened his political adversaries.
Although Governor Fubara conveyed no remorse for his pursuit of tranquility, he recognized that this strategy may have unintentionally bolstered his opponents.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja rendered a verdict on Wednesday, mandating the cessation of monthly financial allocations from the CBN to the Rivers State Government.
The ruling referenced a contravention of the 1999 Constitution concerning the presentation of the 2024 budget to a four-member Rivers State House of Assembly.
Justice Abdulmalik articulated that the distribution of monthly allocations by Governor Fubara since January of this year constituted a violation of constitutional provisions.
During a special thanksgiving service convened to commemorate the resilience of his administration amidst recent political upheaval, which included an arson incident targeting the State House of Assembly on October 29, 2023, Fubara reassured the citizens of Rivers State that his administration would persist in disbursing payments to contractors and ensuring punctual salary disbursements to employees commencing tomorrow (Thursday).
Governor Fubara affirmed that the allocations for the 23 Council Chairpersons would also be executed, as the procedures of the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) have been finalized.
He urged his supporters to sustain their fortitude, underscoring that challenges are surmountable.
In reflection on his administration’s accomplishments, Governor Fubara observed that despite initial doubts regarding the permanence of his government, he has effectively governed for over a year, conducted local government elections, and maintained a complete cabinet in the face of efforts to destabilize his leadership.
He underscored the ongoing projects across the state, counteracting critiques concerning his administration’s efficacy in delivering results.
Fubara cited recent recognitions that have positioned Rivers State as a paragon of financial accountability and transparency.
In recounting the violent episode from October 30 of the preceding year, which the governor characterized as an assassination attempt, Fubara attributed the aggression to political opponents who purportedly ambushed him subsequent to a legal withdrawal associated with the Martin Amaewhule group, a decision influenced by an intervention from President Bola Tinubu.
While Governor Fubara articulated no regrets for his quest for peace, he acknowledged that this approach may have inadvertently empowered his opponents.
