Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has disclosed that the state’s financial reserves doubled during the period of emergency rule declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said the administration left behind N300 billion before the emergency rule and met about N600 billion upon return.
The governor made the disclosure on Wednesday during the commissioning of the Obodhi-Ozochi road and bridge project in Ahoada East and West Local Government Areas of the state.
Last week, the Rivers State House of Assembly accused Fubara of spending public funds without legislative approval.
The allegation was made by the Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, who claimed that the governor was awarding contracts to associates, particularly individuals allegedly linked to the burning of the Rivers House of Assembly complex.
Fubara, however, stated that the funds are being judiciously applied to meaningful projects, stressing that his administration upholds 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 reiterated that public funds under his administration are being deployed for the overall development and welfare of Rivers State residents.
In March, President Tinubu imposed emergency rule in Rivers State, suspending Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the House of Assembly for six months.
The governor and other suspended officials were reinstated on September 17, 2025. During the suspension period, retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the sole administrator of the state.
How do you think Rivers’ funds doubled during the emergency rule, and does Fubara’s clarification put an end to the allegation levied against him by the lawmakers? Share your views in the comment section.
