By Seyi Babalola
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, On Wednesday, voiced his dissatisfaction with the Federal High Court’s decision to prevent the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, from distributing state allocations.
This comes as the governor said that his attitude to the situation, which followed President Bola Tinubu’s involvement, strengthened his opponents.
While Governor Fubara had no remorse about wanting peace, he admitted that this strategy may have unintentionally emboldened his opponents.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a ruling on Wednesday halting the CBN from releasing monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State Government.
The ruling 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 of this year constituted a breach of the Constitution.
Speaking during a special thanksgiving service aimed at celebrating his administration’s resilience ami recent political turmoil, including an arson attack on the State House of Assembly on October 29, 2023, Fubara assured Rivers people that his administration would continue to disburse payments to contractors and ensure timely salary payments to workers starting tomorrow (on Thursday).
Governor Fubara confirmed that allocations for the 23 Council Chairmen would also be processed, as the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee, JAAC, procedures have been finalized.
He encouraged his supporters to maintain their resilience, emphasizing that challenges can be overcome.
Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, Governor Fubara noted that despite initial skepticism regarding the longevity of his government, he has successfully led for over a year, conducted local government elections, and maintained a full cabinet despite attempts to destabilize his leadership.
He highlighted ongoing projects throughout the state, countering criticisms regarding his administration’s capacity to deliver.
Fubara 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, Fubara 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.
