Just in: Fubara unsettles Rivers political water, unveils massive debt left behind by Wike
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has again unsettled the political atmosphere in the state by disclosing that a huge debt burden was left behind for his government.
Fubara took over from Nyesom Wike, incumbent Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on May 29, 2023.
Speaking at Ebubu community, the venue of the flag-off ceremony of the reconstructed 10.89KM Aleto-Ogale-Ebubu-Eteo Road in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Tuesday, Fubara said many contractors who carried out projects for Wike’s administration have been after him for the balance of their work.
He said, “This is to let the world know that if there is one problem this administration has, it is the huge debt burden. Most of the projects that are being commissioned, the contractors are coming for their balance-payment and it is running into billions.”
“I have said that I don’t want to talk. I don’t want to talk because I was part of that system. But, when you keep pushing me to talk, I will say it so that the people will know the true situation of things and be properly informed.”
Fubara expressed delight over the commencement of the celebration of his one year in office, despite several political challenges faced in the early months of his administration.
“I am happy to be here and to join the good people of Rivers State to start this wonderful celebration of our first anniversary in the face of all the troubles. It shows that we are still focused, not minding the level of distractions.
“This road was awarded to CCECC as a contractor. It was awarded on the 14th of August, 2023. I believe that 14th of August was within my tenure. I am not saying ‘I’, but it was this administration that awarded it.
“This project was awarded at the cost of N6.7billion, and I can say boldly that no kobo is remaining. We’ve paid the contractor its complete sum. Our gathering here is to tell our people that their problem is our problem.”
Governor Fubara added, “What we are doing today, is it not help to the Federal Government? Is it not a show that this Government has the interest of the people at heart and it is supporting and doing everything to make the Federal Government succeed?
“So, when people come out and say some funny things, I laugh. Why are we doing this? When this administration came on board, Mr President christened his mantra ‘Renewed Hope’ to give Nigerians hope.
“What we are doing today in this State is giving our people that hope to complement what Mr President is doing at the national level.
“It is not about social media. We are talking about action. Genuine actions that make positive impact in the lives of our people,” he said.
Commenting on why he invited the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, to inaugurate the project, Sir Fubara stated: “I invited him because he is not an artificial integrity man. He is an action integrity man. He is not like the one who would gather to talk because they just want to talk.
“He is a man who came into office, in the face of difficulties and challenges, just like we are here, but he is making impact in the lives of Abians. So, I will continue to identify with good governance. I will continue to identify with people who want to make impact in the lives of the people. Our Government, as we promised you on day one: the people first.”
“We are talking about Federal Government that is giving us support, and we appreciate their support. But there is a rat in the house that is eating the bags of garri. So, you can imagine such situation.”
