“I Inherited N600 Billion From Sole Administrator Ibas” –  Gov Fubara

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has given the assurance of rendering a comprehensive ,clear and verifiable account of how Rivers State’s funds are being managed.

This is as he informed that on resumption from suspension, he met the sum of N600 billion in the State’s coffers as left behind by the former Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.

The Rivers State Governor who spoke at the occasion of the commissioning of the 14. 2 kilometer Obodhi–Ozochi Road ,stated that before proceeding on a six-month suspension owing to the emergency rule declaration, he left N 300 billion in the state’s treasury.

He described as unnecessary and a  needless attempt to heat up the polity insinuations suggesting misappropriation and mismanagement of State resources.

Governor Fubara blamed misconceptions in some quarters about mismanagement of state funds on what he called his deliberate preference for low profile in executing and Commissioning of projects.

According to him, some people have tended to  misunderstand his non-indulgence in unnecessary flamboyant public flag-off of projects,to insinuate mismanagement of state funds.

However, he insisted that every available fund is being properly channelled into projects and programmes that are people-oriented and impactful.

The Governor, while vehemently rejecting claims of purported mismanagement, noted that the visible transformation cutting across different sectors remains an eloquent testimonial to his administration’s prudent and responsible governance.

He described his administration’s record on accountability, transparency and prudent financial management as being unassailable.

While noting several ongoing developmental projects, Governor Fubara affirmed his readiness to  give account of the State’s receipts and expenditure under his watch within the next few months.

The Source further reports that Governor Fubara has of recent come under scathing criticisms from the Speaker Martins Amaewfule-led  pro-Nyesom Wike state House of Assembly over alleged non–performance even in the face of huge resources available to the state.

The law makers had specifically berated Governor Fubara for allowing public schools in the state to lie comatose ,amidst humongous funds in the state’s coffers.