Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara declared that concerns regarding the Federal High Court’s ruling limiting the release of state allocations are “the least” of his problems. This statement was made during a special thanksgiving service organized by the state government, celebrating his administration’s resilience amidst escalating political crises that have persisted since last year’s arson attack on the State House of Assembly.
Governor Fubara assured attendees that, despite the court order, his administration would continue payments to contractors and ensure that workers’ salaries are disbursed starting tomorrow. He confirmed that allocations for the 23 Council Chairmen would also be credited, as the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) procedures have been completed.
Encouraging his supporters to remain resilient, Governor Fubara highlighted the achievements of his administration, noting that he has successfully led for over a year despite predictions that his government would not last even a week. He emphasized that his administration has conducted local government elections against all odds and maintained a full cabinet, countering attempts to undermine his leadership.
The Governor pointed to ongoing projects across the state as evidence of progress, contradicting critics who doubted his ability to deliver. He also referenced recent reports positioning Rivers State as a leader in financial accountability and transparency.
Reflecting on past challenges, he recounted a violent confrontation from October 30 last year, which he described as an assassination attempt, attributing it to political opponents who ambushed him following his withdrawal of legal cases against the Martin Amaewhule group after intervention from President Bola Tinubu. While he expressed no regrets about his peaceful approach, he acknowledged that it may have given his opponents an advantage.
The thanksgiving service, held at the Alfred Diette-Spiff Civic Centre in Port Harcourt, featured performances by renowned gospel artists such as Joe Praiz, Frank Edwards, Asu Ekiye, Peterson Okopi, and Jackson Jones. The guest preacher was the esteemed Pastor Uma Ukpai, and the event drew a diverse audience, including top government officials and party leaders like Emeka Beke of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Sunny Wokekoro of the Action Peoples Party (APP).