On Wednesday, Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, stated his disinterest in the Federal High Court’s ruling prohibiting the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from issuing state allocations.
In line with President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, the governor said that his handling of the situation gave his opponents more authority.
Governor Fubara said he had no regrets about pursuing peace, but he did admit that this strategy might have unintentionally given his opponents more influence.
The CBN is not allowed to release monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State Government, according to an order made on Wednesday by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The presentation of the 2024 budget to the four-member Rivers State House of Assembly was mentioned in the verdict as a violation of the 1999 Constitution.
According to Justice Abdulmalik, Governor Fubara has been violating the Constitution by disbursing monthly allocations since January of this year.
Speaking at a special Thanksgiving service to honor his administration’s fortitude in the face of recent political unrest, such as the October 29, 2023, arson attack on the State House of Assembly, Fubara gave the people of Rivers his word that his administration would continue to pay contractors and make sure that workers receive their salaries on time beginning tomorrow (on Thursday).
As the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee, or JAAC, processes have established, Governor Fubara affirmed that allocations for the 23 Council Chairmen would also be completed.
He emphasized that obstacles can be overcome and urged his fans to continue being resilient.
Governor Fubara reviewed the accomplishments of his administration and pointed out that, in spite of early doubts about how long his government would last, he has successfully led for more than a year, held elections for local governments, and kept a full cabinet in spite of efforts to undermine his authority.
He addressed concerns about his administration’s ability to deliver by highlighting ongoing initiatives across the state.
Fubara cited recent awards that established Rivers State as a pioneer in financial openness and accountability.
When he recounted the October 30th violent incident, which the governor described as an assassination attempt, Fubara blamed the attack on political rivals who allegedly ambushed him after he had legally withdrawn from the Martin Amaewhule group, a decision that was influenced by President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.
Governor Fubara acknowledged that this strategy might have unintentionally given his opponents more influence, but he had no remorse about his desire for peace.
