Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s uncompromising commitment to financial discipline, declaring that prudent management of public funds remains the hallmark of his leadership.
The Governor made the statement during the commissioning of the 14.2-kilometre Obodhi–Ozochi Road, a critical link connecting long-neglected communities in Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas of the state.
Governor Fubara revealed that before the period of emergency rule, over ₦300 billion had been set aside in the state’s coffers, adding that on his return to office, he met an improved balance of about ₦600 billion.
He assured that within the next six months, his administration would present clear and verifiable evidence of how public resources are being deployed, insisting that its record of accountability and transparency is unassailable.
“Every penny we are spending is properly documented,” Fubara stated. “Evidence will be shown between now and the next six months. Nobody can question my sincerity or genuineness. I am not associated with fraudulent acts. My professional background is in accounting, and record-keeping is my strength.”
The Governor dismissed misconceptions surrounding the management of state finances, attributing them partly to his administration’s deliberate decision to avoid flamboyant project flag-off ceremonies.
He explained that several projects with significant impact are currently ongoing across the state, even beyond those already commissioned.
“We do not believe in flagging off projects and wasting money or abandoning them,” he said. “We believe in commissioning only what we have truly delivered with the people’s money.”
Governor Fubara emphasized that all available resources are being utilised strictly in the interest of Rivers State and its people, noting that the visible transformation across the state reflects prudent and responsible governance.
Speaking on the Obodhi–Ozochi Road project, the Governor explained that it was initiated by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, as part of efforts to mobilise political support during the 2023 general elections through former lawmaker and his erstwhile Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie.
“When we came on board, it was natural that we completed the project,” Fubara said. “To appreciate the support of your son, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, we extended the road by over four kilometres, bringing it to the 14.2 kilometres we are commissioning today.”
He noted that Ehie delivered effectively on the assignment, making it necessary not only to complete the road but to expand its scope beyond the original design.
The Governor also approved the immediate construction of internal roads requested by the host communities.
He further charged Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie to translate the massive turnout witnessed at the commissioning ceremony into sustained political support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that such backing would ease the President’s reelection bid.
