On Tuesday, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara revealed that his administration inherited a significant debt burden from projects initiated by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Fubara stated that numerous contractors from Wike’s administration are demanding balance payments amounting to billions of naira. This revelation has intensified the ongoing rift between Fubara and Wike, his predecessor and estranged political mentor.
Wike, often referred to as “Mr. Projects,” was known for his extensive development initiatives, including the construction of 12 flyovers. He frequently invited dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu, to inaugurate these projects before he left office.
Wike had claimed that he had fully paid for these projects, thanking former President Muhammadu Buhari for settling the arrears of the 13% allocation owed to Niger Delta states since 1999.
Fubara, who served as the state’s Accountant-General during Wike’s tenure, announced his intention to probe Wike’s eight-year administration.
Speaking on Monday during the swearing-in of Dagogo Iboroma as the new Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Fubara disclosed plans to establish a judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the previous administration’s governance.
Further highlighting the debt issue, Fubara lamented during the inauguration of the reconstructed 10.89km Aleto-Ogale-Ebubu-Eteo Road in Eleme Local Government Area that contractors are continuously demanding their payments. Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti attended the ceremony as a special guest.
Fubara stated, “This is to let the world know that the biggest challenge this administration faces is the huge debt burden. For most of the projects being inaugurated, contractors are demanding balance payments, which run into billions. I was part of that system, so I refrained from speaking out, but I must inform the public about the true situation.”
In a statement issued by Chief Press Secretary Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara emphasized the discrepancy between the public perception of a debt-free state and the reality of significant outstanding payments to contractors.
Despite these challenges, Fubara expressed his joy at starting his administration’s first anniversary celebrations with the inauguration of a road project in Eleme, where he began his career.
He highlighted that the road project, awarded on August 14, 2023, to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for N6.7 billion, was fully paid for. “This road project was awarded during my tenure, and we have paid the contractor in full. This demonstrates our commitment to addressing the people’s problems,” Fubara said.
He described the road as a necessary bypass to alleviate traffic on the East-West Road, which is under reconstruction. Fubara framed this project as support for the Federal Government’s efforts to improve Nigerians’ lives.
“What we are doing today supports the Federal Government and shows that we prioritize the people’s interests. While some make unfounded claims, our actions speak louder than words,” Fubara stated.
Addressing allegations that he was instigating a conflict with the Federal Government, Fubara responded, “We appreciate the Federal Government’s support, but internal saboteurs are creating distractions. This situation undermines our efforts to deliver on our promises.”
Fubara thanked the Eleme community for their cooperation during the project’s execution, noting that the contractor faced no local challenges. He praised Governor Otti for his pragmatic approach to governance, contrasting him with others who talk without taking action.
Governor Otti, while inaugurating the project, congratulated Fubara for his achievements and for prioritizing the Eleme community. “Leadership is about service to the people, not self-interest. Governor Fubara has shown that he is prepared and focused on improving the welfare of Rivers State’s citizens,” Otti said.
