Governor Siminalayi Fubara has publicly addressed the status of Rivers State’s treasury, confirming that he met a balance of over ₦600 billion upon resuming office following the conclusion of the six-month federal emergency rule.
Speaking on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, during the commissioning of the 14.2km Obodhi–Ozochi Road in Ahoada East, the governor utilized the platform to clarify his administration’s financial standing and respond to recent legislative criticisms.
Governor Fubara provided a rare breakdown of the state’s liquidity before and after the intervention of the Sole Administrator, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.).
He asserted that his administration had already saved and left over ₦300 billion in the state’s accounts before President Tinubu declared the state of emergency in March 2025. Upon his return to office in September 2025, that figure had grown to approximately ₦600 billion.
The governor emphasized that these figures are not mere claims but are backed by “diligent records” and verifiable bank statements.
The governor’s disclosure comes as a direct rebuttal to Speaker Martin Amaewhule and the State House of Assembly, who recently accused the executive of “abandoning” public infrastructure.
Lawmakers recently criticized the “deplorable” state of Township State School 1, noting that despite the ₦600bn surplus, students were learning in classrooms without toilets or electricity.
Fubara countered by stating that his administration prefers commissioning completed projects over expensive “flag-off” ceremonies. He argued that the funds are being deployed strategically across multiple sectors, including a record-high allocation for Education in the 2026 Budget.
“At least nobody can take away my sincerity,” Fubara stated. “I am not associated with anything that has to do with fraudulent acts.”
Analysts note that Fubara’s willingness to discuss specific treasury figures marks a shift in his political strategy. Since the lifting of the emergency rule on September 18, 2025, the governor has displayed what some call a “new swagger,” moving away from the “learned helplessness” of the earlier crisis period.
This financial transparency is seen as an attempt to consolidate public support as he navigates a complex relationship with the pro-Wike legislative faction and rumors of his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
