Kehinde Fajobi
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured workers that their salaries will be paid despite a Federal High Court order restricting the state’s access to allocations.
Speaking at a special thanksgiving service organised by the state government, Fubara said ensuring continued payments to workers and contractors is a priority for his administration, noting that disbursements would resume immediately.
During the event, which commemorated the resilience of his administration amid recent political challenges, Governor Fubara affirmed, “Concerns over the court’s decision are the least of my problems.”
He emphasised his commitment to maintaining payments to the 23 local government council chairmen, confirming that the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) procedures were already completed for their allocations.
Reflecting on his administration’s journey, Fubara highlighted achievements made despite the obstacles.
He acknowledged the difficulties, beginning with the arson attack on the State House of Assembly complex a year ago, but stated that his administration has defied expectations.
“Some predicted this government wouldn’t last a week,” he said. “But here we are, still leading and moving forward with project execution and a full cabinet.”
Governor Fubara cited recent reports that recognise Rivers State as one of the top states for financial accountability and transparency, stressing that critics who doubted his ability to deliver were mistaken.
The governor also recalled an incident from October 30 last year, describing it as an assassination attempt involving men in police uniforms.
He attributed the ambush to political rivals, adding that it occurred after he had withdrawn legal cases against the Martin Amaewhule group following an intervention by President Bola Tinubu.
Though Fubara expressed no regrets about seeking peace, he noted that his efforts may have been exploited by opponents to gain a judicial advantage against him.
Fubara encouraged supporters to remain resilient in the face of ongoing challenges, saying, “All obstacles are surmountable.”
He explained that the refusal of political opponents to reciprocate his peaceful overtures had influenced his decision to stand firm and not yield to additional expectations for resolving the crisis.
The thanksgiving service, held at the Alfred Diette-Spiff Civic Centre in Port Harcourt, featured performances by renowned gospel singers Joe Praiz, Frank Edwards, Asu Ekiye, Peterson Okopi, and Jackson Jones.
Pastor Uma Ukpai delivered a sermon at the event, which was attended by government officials and party leaders, including APC Chairman Emeka Beke and APP Chairman Sunny Wokekoro.