The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), has assured that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration had no outstanding debts to contractors handling state projects before his recent suspension by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This declaration underscores the state government’s unwavering commitment to responsible financial management and efficient governance.
Addressing stakeholders in Port Harcourt, Vice Admiral Ibas emphasized that all ongoing projects are fully funded, and contractors have been provided with the necessary resources to execute their tasks without delay.
"We are ensuring that contractors adhere strictly to project timelines," he stated. "The state has met its obligations by releasing the required funds, and we expect all projects to be delivered as scheduled."
This assurance comes amid growing scrutiny over project execution and accountability in public works. Governor Fubara’s administration had demonstrated a firm commitment to transparency by ensuring that no financial encumbrances hindered the progress of critical infrastructure projects across Rivers State.
Under his leadership, strategic investments in road networks, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions helped reshape the state’s socio-economic landscape. Residents and stakeholders lauded the government’s approach to governance, describing it as a refreshing departure from past administrations that often struggled with contractor debts and project delays.
However, Fubara’s efforts to maintain financial stability and infrastructural development came against the backdrop of an ongoing political feud with his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The tension between the two political heavyweights had been a subject of national discourse, with both camps engaging in a battle for control over the state’s political structure.
Wike, who played a key role in Fubara’s emergence as governor, was accused of attempting to wield undue influence over the administration, leading to clashes that destabilized the political atmosphere in Rivers State. Fubara, determined to assert his independence, pushed back against perceived external control, a move that resulted in a deepening rift between the two figures.
The feud escalated with the defection of several state lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), an act widely attributed to Wike’s influence. This political realignment further complicated governance in the state, as legislative actions became embroiled in factional struggles.
Despite these challenges, Fubara remained resolute in his leadership, focusing on governance rather than political distractions. His zero-debt policy on contracts and emphasis on infrastructural development served as a testament to his commitment to delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State. However, the ongoing crisis reached a peak when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended Fubara, leading to the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas as the Sole Administrator of the state.
With this transition, the focus remains on ensuring that Rivers State continues to attract investors and foster an environment conducive to sustainable development. By maintaining a zero-debt policy on contracts, the government strengthens trust between the state and its development partners, paving the way for accelerated progress and economic growth.
Governor Fubara’s tenure, though now suspended, has left a significant mark on Rivers State’s development trajectory. As the state navigates this political transition, the assurance of debt-free projects serves as a beacon of hope for citizens eager to see meaningful and lasting transformations.