Fubara Confirms ₦600bn in Rivers Treasury, Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has disclosed that the state treasury contained about ₦600 billion when he resumed office after the six-month period of emergency rule.

The governor made this known on Tuesday during the commissioning of the 14.2-kilometre Obodhi–Ozochi Road linking communities in Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas of the state. He explained that more than ₦300 billion had been set aside in the state’s accounts before the declaration of emergency rule, while a balance of approximately ₦600 billion was available upon his return to office.

Fubara said fiscal discipline, accountability and transparency remain the core principles guiding his administration, stressing that his government would provide clear and verifiable records showing how public funds are being utilised across projects and programmes.

He dismissed allegations of poor financial management, attributing such criticisms to his preference for focusing on actual project execution rather than frequent ceremonial launches. According to him, several impactful projects are ongoing across the state in addition to those already completed and commissioned.

“Every available resource is being deployed strictly in the interest of Rivers State and its people,” the governor said, noting that visible developments across the state are evidence of responsible governance.

Speaking on the road project, Fubara said it was originally initiated under his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, during the 2023 general election period and later expanded by his administration. He explained that the original design was extended by an additional 4.2 kilometres, bringing the total length to 14.2 kilometres in order to better serve the affected communities.

The governor also approved residents’ requests for the construction of internal roads within the communities, indicating that further infrastructure development would follow.

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to transparency, Fubara said the state’s financial records are open to scrutiny and would withstand any objective assessment. He added that accountability remains a priority alongside infrastructural development.

At the event, the governor urged a former lawmaker and ex-chief of staff, Edison Ehie, to convert the large turnout at the commissioning ceremony into sustained political support for President Bola Tinubu, noting that strong grassroots backing would ease the president’s re-election efforts.

Fubara assured residents that his government would continue to prioritise infrastructure delivery and prudent financial management, emphasising that tangible development outcomes, not public spectacle, would remain the true measure of performance. He added that detailed information on government spending and project financing would be made public within the promised six-month timeframe.