Governor Fubara resilient amid Rivers State political crisis

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, speaking on Wednesday at a thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt, addressed concerns over the Federal High Court’s recent order restricting the release of state allocations, saying it was “the least” of his worries.

The service, organized to honour his administration’s resilience, marked one year since an arson attack on the State House of Assembly, igniting ongoing political tensions.

Governor Fubara assured that despite the court’s restriction, his administration would continue fulfilling financial obligations, including contractor payments and staff salaries starting tomorrow.

He also confirmed that the 23 Council Chairmen would receive allocations following the completion of the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) processes.

Encouraging supporters to stay steadfast, Fubara acknowledged the ongoing challenges but expressed confidence that his administration would overcome them. Reflecting on his year in office, he noted that despite predictions his government would not last even a week, he has maintained stability, conducted local elections, and managed to retain a full cabinet despite attempted disruptions.

The governor highlighted progress across various projects statewide and referred to recent reports ranking Rivers State among the top in financial accountability and transparency, countering critics who doubted his capability to deliver results.

Governor Fubara also revisited an October 30 incident from the previous year, describing an alleged assassination attempt involving assailants dressed as police officers. He attributed the attack to political rivals, claiming they ambushed him after he withdrew legal cases against the Martin Amaewhule faction, a move initiated through the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.

He acknowledged that while seeking peace, his opponents took advantage, using the case withdrawal to secure judgments against him. Fubara cited this as a reason for his stance against further concessions to end the political strife.

The Thanksgiving event, held at the Alfred Diette-Spiff Civic Centre, featured worship sessions led by gospel artists Joe Praiz, Frank Edwards, Asu Ekiye, and others.

Renowned preacher Pastor Uma Ukpai delivered a sermon to a diverse audience, including top officials and party leaders, marking a powerful show of solidarity for Fubara’s administration amid ongoing political tensions.