Governor Siminalayi Fubara has rejected the recent order by the Federal High Court, Abuja, restricting Rivers allocations. He said his administration would continue payments to contractors and ensure workers’ salaries are disbursed from Thursday.
He mentioned on Wednesday that concerns over the Federal High Court decision that restricted the release of state allocations are “the least” of his problems.
This was said by the governor at a special Thanksgiving service held by the state government to honour his administration’s fortitude in the face of growing political unrest, which started precisely one year ago with the arson attack on the State House of Assembly building.
Governor Fubara promised that his administration will continue to pay contractors and make sure that workers’ salaries are paid starting tomorrow despite the court decision.
Additionally, he affirmed that since the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) procedures have been finished, the 23 Council Chairmen’s allocations will be credited. The governor reassured his supporters that all obstacles can be overcome and urged them to maintain their fortitude.
Governor Fubara reflected on the accomplishments of his administration, pointing out that he has effectively led for more than a year, despite forecasts that his government would not last barely a week.
He said that irrespective of efforts to weaken his leadership through resignations, his administration had managed to hold local government elections in spite of all the difficulties and keep a full cabinet.
In response to detractors who said he wouldn’t be able to deliver, he highlighted the accomplishments of his government and listed current project executions around the state.
Additionally, he referenced recent studies that place Rivers State at the forefront of financial openness and accountability.
Governor Fubara referred to a heated altercation with some people in police uniforms on October 30 of last year as an assassination attempt.
The governor blamed the altercation on political rivals, whom he said had ambushed him after he dropped lawsuits against the Martin Amaewhule group when President Bola Tinubu intervened.
Although he had no qualms about pursuing peace, he admitted that his nonviolent nature might have favoured his adversaries, who used the retreat to obtain verdicts against him.
