The Rivers State Governor, Siminalaye Fubara has said that notwithstanding the court order banning the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, form releasing Federal allocations to the State, he would continue to disburse payments to contractors and ensure the payment of workers salaries.
The Governor made this declaration while speaking during a special thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt.
The event was aimed at celebrating his administration’s resilience amidst recent political turmoil.
Recall that the Governor since 2023 have been facing political turmoil, including an arson attack on the State House of Assembly on October 29, 2023. Many have attributed the development to political struggles between the Governor and his predecessor and Minister of FCT, Abuja, Nyesom Wike.
But reacting to the court order, Fubara assured Rivers people that his administration would continue to disburse payments to contractors. He also said he would ensure timely salary payments to workers starting today, Thursday.
The Governor confirmed that allocations for the 23 Council Chairmen would also be processed. This, he said is because the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee, JAAC, procedures have been finalized.
Fubara, therefore, encouraged his supporters to maintain their resilience, emphasizing that challenges can be overcome.
The Governor used the occasion to reflect on his administration’s achievements in the last one year in office. He said, “Despite initial skepticism regarding the longevity of my government, I has successfully led for over a year. Conducted Local Government elections, and maintained a full cabinet. This is despite attempts to destabilize my government.”
Fubara highlighted ongoing projects he has embarked on throughout the State. He, therefore, countered criticisms regarding his administration’s capacity to deliver.
The Governor referenced recent accolades positioning Rivers State as a leader in financial accountability and transparency.
In recounting the violent incident from October 30 of the previous year, characterized by the governor as an assassination attempt. He attributed the assault to political adversaries who allegedly ambushed him following a legal withdrawal related to the Martin Amaewhule group. A decision influenced by an intervention from President Bola Tinubu.
While Governor Fubara expressed no regrets for seeking peace, he acknowledged that this approach may have inadvertently empowered his opponents.
This is even as the Governor on Wednesday, expressed his indifference towards the Federal High Court’s decision stopping the Central Bank of Nigeria’s, CBN, from releasing his State’s allocations.
Recall that Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a ruling on Wednesday against Rivers State. The Justice in her ruling halted the CBN from releasing monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State Government.
The court cited a violation of the 1999 Constitution regarding the presentation of the 2024 Budget before a four-member Rivers State House of Assembly.
Justice Abdulmalik stated that the disbursement of monthly allocations by Governor Fubara since January 2024 constituted a breach of the Constitution.
source: Daily Post
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