- Speaking in the aftermath of the controversial judgment, Fubara said his government would not default or dillydally in fulfilling its obligations to the people despite the seizure of the state funds
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has voiced his displeasure at the Federal High Court’s decision stopping the Central Bank of Nigeria’s, CBN, from releasing the state’s allocations.
The governor said his political adversaries capitalised on his pursuit of peace and desire for a lasting solution to the crisis in the state to frustrate undermine him.
He added that his adherence to the intervention of President Bola Tinubu empowered his opponents.
Recall that Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja had on Wednesday ordered the CBN to stop releasing monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State Government.
The ruling cited a violation of the 1999 Constitution regarding the presentation of the 2024 budget before a four-member Rivers State House of Assembly.
Justice Abdulmalik held that the disbursement of monthly allocations by Governor Fubara since January of this year constituted a breach of the Constitution.
Speaking in the aftermath of the controversial judgment, Fubara said his government would not default or dillydally in fulfilling its obligations to the people despite the seizure of the state funds.
He made this known during a special thanksgiving service to celebrate his administration’s perseverance and doggedness amid recent political turmoil, including an arson attack on the State House of Assembly on October 29, 2023.
Fubara assured Rivers people that his government would continue to disburse payments to contractors and ensure timely salary payments to workers starting todye (on Thursday).
Governor Fubara confirmed that allocations for the 23 Council Chairmen would also be processed, as the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee, JAAC, procedures have been finalized.
He implored his supporters to remain steadfast and 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 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.
While Governor Fubara expressed no regrets for seeking peace, he acknowledged that this approach may have inadvertently empowered his opponents.