LIVE UPDATES
The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, revealed that his administration acquired huge debt by the immediate-past administration of Nyesom Wike.
The revelation of huge debts by Fubara, who was the state’s Accountant-General during Wike’s tenure, came a day he declared his intention to probe Wike’s eight-year administration.
Fubara stated, “This is to let the world know that if there is one problem this administration has, it is the huge debt burden. For most of the projects that are being inaugurated, 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 didn’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.”
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, and sent to newsmen, the governor stressed how baffling the debts were, with the public impression of a clean balance sheet maintained with contractors.
Fubara, however, expressed delight over the commencement of the celebration of his administration’s first anniversary with the inauguration of a road project in Eleme, where he lived when he started his working life.
The governor said the road was awarded on August 14, 2023 to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation at the cost of N6.7bn.
“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 day of August, 2023. I believe that the 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 N6.7bn, 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,” the governor said.
Explaining further, the governor alleged that someone was stoking the crisis to distract both the state and federal governments from delivering the promises to give the people hope and leave lasting legacies, impactful policies and programmes for posterity.
