Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, responding to a court order blocking state allocations, admitted that his peace-seeking approach influenced by President Tinubu’s intervention inadvertently empowered his opponents. While reaffirming his commitment to continued development, Fubara promised timely payments to contractors and civil servants and underscored resilience amid recent political challenges.
In an unexpected twist following a Federal High Court ruling that temporarily halted Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) allocations to Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara admitted that a peace-seeking intervention, suggested by President Bola Tinubu, may have emboldened his political opponents. The court’s decision, which blocks monthly financial disbursements to the state, cited constitutional violations linked to an incomplete Rivers State House of Assembly during the 2024 budget’s presentation.
Speaking during a special thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara reflected on his decision to heed President Tinubu’s advice to pursue peaceful resolutions. “I don’t regret my decision to seek peace,” he explained, “but I recognize that this approach has inadvertently strengthened those who seek to destabilize our administration.”
The ruling issued by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik has plunged Rivers into a financial bind. The court found that Governor Fubara’s administration had been disbursing state funds since January without a fully constituted Assembly, a violation of the 1999 Constitution. Despite this setback, Fubara assured Rivers residents that contractors and public servants would receive payments starting Thursday, adding that the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) has finalized payments for the 23 council chairmen across the state.
Governor Fubara’s address underscored the resilience of his administration. Reflecting on over a year of service and significant milestones, including conducting local government elections and establishing a full cabinet, he noted his achievements amidst turbulent political times. Fubara commended his administration’s progress on infrastructure projects, emphasizing that ongoing initiatives across Rivers demonstrate his commitment to the state’s development.
In recounting the tense October 29 incident, which he described as an “assassination attempt,” Governor Fubara alleged that political rivals had orchestrated an attack following a legal decision involving the Martin Amaewhule group, with Tinubu’s peace advice prompting his choice to withdraw. This stance, while intended to quell discord, has since fueled opposition efforts to weaken his position.
Fubara’s address resonated with supporters, who remain resolute despite challenges posed by adversaries and legal restrictions on the state’s finances. “We have overcome much and will continue to serve Rivers State,” Fubara asserted, calling on supporters to stay steadfast in these challenging times.
