PORT HARCOURT — Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has revealed that his administration inherited more than ₦600 billion in state accounts upon resumption after a six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu, while leaving over ₦300 billion before the suspension. The disclosure, made on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, during the commissioning of the 14.2-kilometre Obodhi–Ozochi Road linking Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas, comes amid renewed scrutiny from the state House of Assembly over fund utilisation and the condition of public infrastructure.
Fubara emphasized his administration's commitment to transparency and prudent spending, assuring residents that financial records are intact and verifiable. "Today, I want to also say to the whole world, when we left during the emergency rule, our records were there. We left over ₦300 billion. When we came back, we met about ₦600 billion and something," the governor stated. He promised a comprehensive presentation of expenditure details within six months, adding: "If there is one thing I can say and do that I’m even proud of, nobody can associate me with anything bad. Your money and the records of how your money is being spent are intact. We have very strong projects that we are doing."
The remarks indirectly addressed criticisms from Speaker Martin Amaewhule, who recently highlighted the poor state of public schools, including Township State School 1 along Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, lacking basic facilities despite proximity to Government House. Amaewhule, during a plenary session responding to a House Committee on Education report, questioned how over ₦600 billion left by former Sole Administrator Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) was being spent. The Speaker's comments revived tensions between the executive and the Amaewhule-led faction of the Assembly, loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
Fubara attributed some misconceptions to his government's preference for completing projects before public ceremonies rather than frequent flag-offs. "Maybe the reason some people believe there is something happening that they are not aware of is that we don’t believe in fluffing off projects. We believe in commissioning them," he explained. The Obodhi–Ozochi Road, initiated under the previous administration as a political mobilisation tool ahead of the 2023 elections via former lawmaker and Fubara's then-Chief of Staff Edison Ehie, was extended and completed by the current government.
The emergency rule, declared on March 18, 2025, by President Tinubu amid a protracted political crisis involving pipeline vandalism and governance paralysis, suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and Assembly members for six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas served as Sole Administrator until the rule was lifted on September 18, 2025, reinstating elected officials.
Fubara's disclosure confirms earlier Assembly claims of substantial funds handed over post-emergency, while underscoring ongoing projects as evidence of responsible governance. The governor approved additional internal roads for the host community during the event, signaling continued infrastructure focus.
Tensions between Fubara and the Amaewhule-led Assembly persist, with prior accusations of unapproved spending and contract awards to cronies. The crisis, rooted in a fallout with predecessor Wike, had led to Assembly splits, legal battles, and the 2023 bombing of the legislative complex.
As Rivers State navigates post-emergency recovery, Fubara's assurances aim to rebuild public confidence amid calls for accountability. Visible developments, including road commissions, are presented as proof of effective resource deployment, though debates over education and other sectors continue.
