Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that his administration met more than ₦600 billion in the state’s accounts after the lifting of emergency rule, reaffirming his commitment to transparent and responsible management of public funds.
The governor explained that before emergency rule was declared by President Bola Tinubu, his government left approximately ₦300 billion in the state’s coffers, insisting that official financial records clearly support the claim.
Fubara made the remarks on Wednesday during the commissioning of the 14.2-kilometre Obodhi–Ozochi Road linking Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
His comments came against the backdrop of criticisms from the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, who recently raised concerns about the condition of public schools and questioned how funds handed over after emergency rule were being utilised.
Amaewhule had earlier revealed during a plenary session that more than ₦600 billion was available to the state government after the emergency period ended. He also drew attention to the deteriorating condition of Township State School 1 along Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, citing the absence of basic facilities such as toilets despite its proximity to Government House.
The Speaker made the remarks while responding to a report presented by the House Committee on Education, chaired by Hon. Aforji Igwe, following an inspection of the school. His comments appeared to reignite tensions between the executive and legislative arms of government.
Reacting indirectly, Governor Fubara maintained that all public funds under his administration are being deployed responsibly, adding that expenditure records remain open, transparent, and verifiable.
“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 said.
He further expressed confidence in the integrity of his leadership, assuring residents that proper documentation exists on how public resources are being spent.
“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 said.
Fubara also assured that within six months, his administration would present clear and verifiable details of how funds are being applied across the state.
He explained that some of the criticism stems from his government’s approach of completing projects before commissioning them, rather than frequently announcing project flag-offs.
“Maybe the reason some people believe there is something happening that they are not aware of is that we don’t believe in fluffing off projects. We believe in commissioning them,” he added.
