Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s firm commitment to strict financial discipline, stressing that careful and responsible management of public funds remains a cornerstone of his governance philosophy.
The governor disclosed that before the declaration of emergency rule, the state had set aside more than ₦300 billion in reserves, adding that upon his return to office, he met a balance of roughly ₦600 billion in the state’s accounts.
He assured residents that within the next six months, his government would present transparent, verifiable details showing exactly how public resources are being utilised.
Fubara made the remarks while commissioning the 14.2-kilometre Obodhi–Ozochi Road, a major link connecting previously underserved communities in Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas. He said the project symbolised his administration’s focus on meaningful infrastructure rather than publicity-driven governance.
The governor dismissed claims questioning the handling of state funds, explaining that such misconceptions partly stem from his deliberate choice to execute projects without elaborate public flag-off ceremonies.
According to him, several impactful projects are ongoing across Rivers State, many of which are yet to be formally commissioned but are already delivering benefits to residents.
He maintained that his administration’s record on accountability and transparency is solid, insisting that no objective observer could credibly challenge how public finances are being managed. Fubara emphasised that every available naira is channelled toward the welfare of Rivers people, noting that the visible changes across the state serve as evidence of prudent governance.
The governor explained that the Obodhi–Ozochi Road was initially conceived by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, as a political strategy to galvanise support during the 2023 general elections through a former lawmaker and then Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie. He said Ehie successfully fulfilled that task, making it necessary not only to complete the road but also to improve and expand it beyond its original scope.
As a result, the project was extended by an additional 4.2 kilometres, increasing its total length to 14.2 kilometres. Fubara also immediately approved the request by community leaders for the construction of internal roads to further enhance connectivity and development in the area.
He further charged Edison Ehie to translate the large turnout at the commissioning ceremony into sustained political support for President Bola Tinubu, noting that such backing would greatly ease the President’s reelection efforts.
What you should know
Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s comments come amid public debate over fiscal transparency and governance in Rivers State.
By highlighting substantial reserves and ongoing projects, he seeks to counter allegations of financial mismanagement. The commissioning of the Obodhi–Ozochi Road underscores his administration’s infrastructure agenda and continuity with projects initiated by the previous government.
Fubara’s emphasis on accountability, coupled with his pledge to provide verifiable financial records, is aimed at building public trust. His remarks also reflect the intertwining of governance and political mobilisation ahead of future elections.
