By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said the state government account increased from N300 billion before President Bola Tinubu declared emergency rule in the state to N600 billion after the rule.
Fubara disclosed this on Wednesday, December 17, during the inauguration of the 14.2-kilometre Obodhi-Ozochi Road, which links Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas.
He noted that his administration remained committed to prudent management of public funds, adding that the record of his administration’s spending was available for public scrutiny.
Fubara’s comments came amid criticisms from the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, over the condition of public schools in the state and questions surrounding the utilisation of funds left behind by the former Sole Administrator, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd).
Recall that Amaewhule had, during a recent plenary, stated that Ibas handed over more than N600 billion after the emergency rule was lifted, questioning what the state government was doing with the funds available to it.
He also faulted the state government over the poor condition of Township State School 1 along Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, noting that the school lacked basic facilities such as toilets despite its proximity to Government House.
The Speaker raised the concern while reacting to a report presented by the House Committee on Education, chaired by Honourable Aforji Igwe, following an inspection of the school.
In his indirect response to the Speaker, Fubara said all state funds were being utilised responsibly, assuring that within six months, his government would present clear and verifiable details of how public funds were being deployed.
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 N300 million. When we came back, we met about N600 billion and something.
“If there is one thing I can say and do that I’m even proud of, nobody can associate me with anything bad. So your money and the records of how your money is being spent are intact. We have very strong projects that we are doing.”
The governor stressed that his administration preferred to complete projects before commissioning them, rather than engaging in elaborate flag-off ceremonies, which might have attracted criticisms.
Fubara also stated that several projects were currently ongoing across the state, insisting that the visible development in Rivers was evidence of responsible governance.
On the Obodhi-Ozochi Road, Fubara said the project was initiated by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, as part of political mobilisation ahead of the 2023 general elections, through a former lawmaker and his then Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.
He said Ehie delivered on the assignment, making it necessary for his administration to not only complete the road but also expand its scope.
The governor also approved the community’s request for the construction of internal roads.
