Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has disclosed that he met more than ₦600 billion in the state’s coffers following the end of the emergency rule, insisting that his administration remains committed to prudent and transparent management of public funds.

The governor said he left about ₦300 billion in government accounts before President Bola Tinubu declared emergency rule in the state, adding that official records were available to substantiate his claim.

Fubara made the remarks on Wednesday during the commissioning of the 14.2-kilometre Obodhi–Ozochi Road, linking Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas of the state.

His comments came amid criticisms from the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, over the state of public schools and questions surrounding the utilisation of funds reportedly left behind by the immediate past Sole Administrator, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd).

Amaewhule had, during a recent plenary, stated that Ibas handed over more than ₦600 billion to the state government after the emergency rule was lifted. He also faulted the government over the poor condition of Township State School 1 along Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, noting that the school lacked basic facilities such as toilets despite its proximity to Government House.

The Speaker raised the concerns while reacting to a report by the House Committee on Education, chaired by Hon. Aforji Igwe, following an inspection of the school. He questioned how the state government was deploying available funds, a development that appeared to reignite tensions between the executive and legislative arms of government.

Responding indirectly, Fubara said all state funds were being utilised responsibly and that his administration’s financial records were open, verifiable, and intact.

“Today, I want to say to the whole world that when we left during the emergency rule, our records were there. We left over ₦300 billion. When we returned, we met about ₦600 billion and more,” the governor said.

“If there is one thing I can say and be proud of, nobody can associate me with anything bad. Your money and the records of how it is being spent are intact. We have very strong and impactful projects that we are executing.”

Fubara assured residents that within six months, his administration would present clear and verifiable details of how public funds were being deployed across the state.

He attributed some of the criticisms to his government’s approach of completing projects before commissioning them, rather than engaging in elaborate flag-off ceremonies.

“Maybe the reason some people believe things are happening without their knowledge is because we don’t believe in fluffing off projects. We believe in completing and commissioning them,” he said.

The governor maintained that visible development across Rivers State was evidence of responsible governance, adding that several impactful projects were ongoing in different parts of the state.

On the Obodhi–Ozochi Road, Fubara explained that the project was initiated by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, as part of political mobilisation ahead of the 2023 general elections through a former lawmaker and then Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.

He said Ehie successfully delivered on the assignment, prompting his administration to not only complete the road but also expand its scope. The governor also approved the community’s request for the construction of additional internal roads.

Addressing the massive crowd at the event, Fubara urged Ehie to translate the turnout into political support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

“On my way here, I couldn’t access my seat because of the mammoth crowd. I am asking Edison Ehie and your group to translate this crowd into the support we are going to give to Mr President come 2027,” he said.