Fubara: I left N300bn in Rivers account before emergency rule, met N600bn on return

Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, says there was over N300 billion in the state government account when President Bola Tinubu suspended him due to the emergency rule.

In March, President Bola Tinubu imposed an emergency rule in Rivers, and suspended Fubara, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and the house of assembly for six months.

Speaking on Wednesday at the commissioning of Obodhi-Ozochi road and bridge project in Ahoada east and west LGAs of Rivers, Fubara said he met about N600 billion in the state coffers when he resumed office in September.

Fubara said the money is being prudently utilised for viable projects, adding that his administration is committed to transparency and accountability.

“I want to also say to the whole world that when we left during the emergency rule, our records are there; we left over N300 billion,” the governor said.

“When we came back, we met about N600 billion. The record is there for every penny we spend, and the evidence will show within the next 12 months.

“So there is no issue with what we are doing with the money. At least nobody can take away my sincerity and genuineness. I am not associated with any fraudulent activity.

“Nobody can associate me with anything that has to do with any bad thing. So your money and the record of how your money was spent are intact.

“We have very strong projects that we are doing. We don’t believe in flagging off projects, except otherwise. We believe in commissioning them. We don’t want to spend money to flag off projects, then spend more to commission them.

“So let’s save you the money of flagging off and entertain you when we are ready to tell you that this is what we have done with your money.

“So go and sleep. Call me any day, anytime. The record is there. Right from the time I started working in the government and taking responsibility, my records are there.

“I’m not even talking about the immediate past administration; I’m talking about the previous administration before this one. The records are there.

“When it comes to issues of record keeping, it is my profession. So, you don’t need to worry about what happens or your money.”

Fubara said he is utilising public funds for the betterment of the people of Rivers state.

Last week, the Rivers state house of assembly accused Fubara of unapproved spending.

The lawmakers, through Martin Amaewhule, speaker of the assembly, alleged that Fubara is awarding contracts to his cronies, particularly those who masterminded the burning of the Rivers house of assembly complex.