Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, responded on Wednesday to a Federal High Court ruling halting the release of the state’s financial allocations from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). While expressing indifference to the court’s decision, Governor Fubara noted that his peaceful approach, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, may have unintentionally empowered his political opponents.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik in Abuja, cited a breach of the 1999 Constitution. Specifically, it noted Governor Fubara’s distribution of state allocations without formal budget presentation before the state’s House of Assembly, currently with four members, as required by law.
During a thanksgiving service commemorating his administration’s resilience amid recent political turmoil, including an October 29 arson attack on the State Assembly, Governor Fubara assured the public of his commitment to maintain essential services. He confirmed that payments to contractors and salaries for workers would resume on Thursday. Allocations for the 23 council chairmen are also set for disbursement, as the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) process has been completed.
Reflecting on his year in office, Governor Fubara addressed the skepticism around his administration’s stability, highlighting achievements like conducting local government elections, maintaining a complete cabinet, and overseeing development projects across Rivers State.
Acknowledging accolades Rivers State has recently received for financial transparency, Fubara also recounted an alleged assassination attempt from last year, attributing the incident to political adversaries. He linked the attack to political strife surrounding his withdrawal from a legal case involving the Martin Amaewhule group, a move influenced by President Tinubu’s call for peace.
While Fubara remains committed to peace, he noted that his conciliatory stance has strengthened his opponents.
