From Victor Edozie Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has confirmed that the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (rtd.), who administered the affairs of the state between March and September, left about ₦600 billion in the state’s coffers.
Governor Fubara made the disclosure on Wednesday at the inauguration of the 14.2-kilometre Obodhi–Ozochi Road, which links Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas.
He added that he himself had left about ₦300 billion in the state treasury at the time President Bola Tinubu suspended him from office in March.
The governor’s remarks appear to align with the recent position of the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, who last week urged the governor to deploy available funds to rehabilitate the education sector.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fiscal prudence, Fubara insisted that disciplined financial management remains the cornerstone of his leadership. He assured that within six months, his government would present clear and verifiable evidence detailing how public funds are being deployed.
“Our records on accountability and financial management are unassailable,” the governor said. “Every penny we are spending is documented. Evidence will be shown between now and the next six months. Nobody can question my sincerity or genuineness. I am not associated with fraudulent acts. My professional background is in accounts, and record-keeping is my strength.”
Governor Fubara dismissed misconceptions about the management of state resources, attributing some of the criticisms to his administration’s deliberate avoidance of flamboyant project flag-off ceremonies. According to him, several impactful projects are currently ongoing across the state, beyond those being commissioned.
“We don’t believe in flagging off projects, wasting money, or abandoning them. We believe in commissioning what we have truly delivered with the people’s money,” he said.
He stressed that all available resources are being deployed strictly in the interest of Rivers State and its people, adding that the visible transformation across the state is proof of prudent and responsible governance.
Speaking on the Obodhi–Ozochi Road project, Governor Fubara explained that it was initiated by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, as part of political mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2023 general elections, through former lawmaker and his then Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie.
“When we came on board, it was only natural that we saw this project to its conclusion,” Fubara said. “In appreciation of the support from your son, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, we extended the road by an additional 4.2 kilometres, bringing the total length to 14.2 kilometres, which we are commissioning today.”
He noted that Ehie delivered decisively on the assignment, making it necessary not only to complete the road but to expand its scope beyond the original design.
The governor also immediately approved the community’s request for the construction of internal roads and charged Ehie to translate the massive turnout at the commissioning ceremony into sustained political support for President Bola Tinubu, noting that such backing would significantly ease the President’s re-election efforts.
