Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, stated on Wednesday that concerns over the Federal High Court’s decision to restrict state allocations are “the least” of his worries.
Governor Fubara made these remarks during a special thanksgiving service organised by the state government to celebrate his administration’s resilience amidst growing political crises, which began with the arson attack on the State House of Assembly complex exactly one year ago.
Governor Fubara assured that, despite the court order, his administration would continue payments to contractors and ensure workers’ salaries are disbursed from tomorrow. He also confirmed that allocations for the 23 Council Chairmen would be credited, as the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) procedures have been completed.
The governor encouraged his supporters to remain steadfast, affirming that all challenges are surmountable.
Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, Governor Fubara noted that despite predictions his government wouldn’t last a week, he has successfully led for over a year. He highlighted his administration’s successes, including the successful conduct of local government elections against all odds and maintaining a full cabinet despite attempts to undermine his leadership through resignations.
He pointed to ongoing projects across the state, countering critics who claimed he would struggle to deliver. He also referenced recent reports ranking Rivers State as a leader in financial accountability and transparency.
Recalling an incident from 30 October last year, Governor Fubara described a violent confrontation with men in police uniforms as an assassination attempt. He attributed the attack to political opponents, alleging they ambushed him after he withdrew legal cases against the Martin Amaewhule group, following an intervention by President Bola Tinubu.
Although he expressed no regrets about pursuing peace, he acknowledged that his peaceful disposition may have emboldened his opponents, who leveraged his withdrawal to secure judgements against him. Governor Fubara stressed that his opponents’ refusal to reciprocate his gestures of peace has influenced his decision not to meet other expectations for resolving the political crisis.
The praise and worship session, held at the main bowl of the Alfred Diette-Spiff Civic Centre in Port Harcourt, featured top gospel artists, including Joe Praiz, Frank Edwards, Asu Ekiye, Peterson Okopi, and Jackson Jones.
The guest preacher was the esteemed Pastor Uma Ukpai.
The event drew a lot of attendees including top government officials, APC Chairman Emeka Beke, and Action Peoples Party (APP) Chairman Sunny Wokekoro.