Fubara assured Rivers’ people that he’ll continue to pay contractors and ensure timely salary payments despite the verdict
By Kehinde Okeowo
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday, said his adherence to the terms of President Bola Tinubu’s peace initiative might have emboldened his opponents and brought about the court’s verdict stopping his state’s federal allocation.
He made this known during a special thanksgiving service organized to celebrate his administration’s resilience amid recent political turmoil.
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja issued a ruling on Wednesday halting the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State Government.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik cited a violation of the 1999 Constitution regarding the presentation of the 2024 budget before a four-member Rivers State House of Assembly, adding that the disbursement of monthly allocations by Governor Fubara since January of this year constituted a breach of the Constitution.
Reacting to the ruling while speaking at the thanksgiving, Fubara assured Rivers people that his administration will continue to disburse payments to contractors and ensure timely salary payments to workers starting from Thursday (today).
He went on to confirm that allocations for the 23 Council Chairmen will also be processed, as the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee, JAAC, procedures have been finalized.
He encouraged his supporters to maintain their resilience, emphasizing that challenges can be overcome.
Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, Governor Fubara noted that despite initial skepticism regarding the longevity of his government, he has successfully led for over a year, conducted local government elections, and maintained a full cabinet despite attempts to destabilize his leadership.
He highlighted ongoing projects throughout the state, countering criticisms regarding his administration’s capacity to deliver.
Fubara further referenced recent accolades positioning Rivers State as a leader in financial accountability and transparency.
In recounting the violent incident from October 30 of the previous year, characterized by the governor as an assassination attempt, Fubara attributed the assault to political adversaries who allegedly ambushed him following a legal withdrawal related to the Martin Amaewhule group, a decision influenced by an intervention from President Bola Tinubu.