Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has minimized concerns regarding the recent Federal High Court order restricting state fund releases, calling it “the least” of his worries.
At a thanksgiving service held by the state government on Wednesday, Fubara reassured residents that his administration remains committed to paying contractors and disbursing worker salaries as planned, with payments set to begin the following day.
The governor confirmed that allocations to Rivers State’s 23 local councils would proceed as scheduled, with all necessary Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) protocols already completed.
Held at the Alfred Diette-Spiff Civic Centre in Port Harcourt, the thanksgiving marked one year since the arson attack on the Rivers State House of Assembly complex. Fubara praised his administration’s resilience, noting that despite early predictions of its short lifespan, his government has surpassed a year in office, successfully implementing state projects and overseeing local government elections.
The governor also recounted last year’s violent ambush, which he described as an assassination attempt by individuals in police uniforms, attributed to political rivals. He explained that the incident occurred after he withdrew legal actions against a faction led by Martin Amaewhule, following a peace intervention by President Bola Tinubu. However, Fubara expressed disappointment, noting that his goodwill was met with exploitation, as opponents later pursued judgments against his administration.
This experience, he said, has informed his stance on the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
The thanksgiving service featured worship led by renowned gospel artists Joe Praiz, Frank Edwards, and Asu Ekiye, with prominent political figures, including APC Chairman Emeka Beke and APP Chairman Sunny Wokekoro, in attendance.
