Olayiwola Matthew
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has “some persons who have decided to be enemies” of the state wanted us to experience a black Christmas”.
Fubara spoke in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers state, on Thursday during the launch of the 2025 armed forces remembrance emblem appeal fund.
The governor’s comment comes on the heels of a court order barring financial allocation to Rivers state.
In October, a federal high court in Abuja restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from further disbursing financial allocations to the Rivers state government.
Joyce Abdulmalik, the presiding judge, ruled that funds from the federation account should not be released to the state pending the passage of a lawful appropriation act by a validly constituted house of assembly.
The suit was filed by the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers state house of assembly.
Abdulmalik held that Fubara erred in presenting the 2024 Appropriation Bill to a “not properly constituted” five-member assembly.
Many Nigerians, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, have faulted the verdict, warning that the judiciary’s actions could “destabilise” the state.
Fubara said that his administration prioritising the interest of the citizens, noting that the government is meeting its obligations.
The governor said he will continue to protect Rivers state from “those who plot daily to cause chaos and widespread disaffection” among the people.
“Some persons who have decided to be enemies of this state wanted us to experience a black Christmas,” he said.
“But because we are determined to make sure that the interest of Rivers state should be the first thing, we were able, not easily, but to meet our obligations as a government.
“And today, I can say boldly that our civil servants are happy, even in the face of all the propaganda that the state’s allocation fell under one bridge.
“But we are now the first state that did not just make the promise but have lived up to that promise. Today, civil servants that were collecting N70,000 are jubilating with N120,000 and N140,000.
“What is the greatest joy any government can achieve? You might do some projects, but the most important thing is the happiness that you leave in the hearts of people.
“People will forget that Sir Dr. Peter Odili built this banquet hall, but they won’t forget the story of when they couldn’t pay their children’s school fees because of poor salary.
“But with their salary now improved, they will always remember that, and say look, if not for that government, this my son wouldn’t have been a graduate; if not for that salary, this my son would not be a lawyer; he will not be a judge; he will not be an engineer.
“So, the most important thing is making sure that Rivers people are first in everything we do.”
Speaking on the emblem, Fubara recalled the excitement he and his siblings felt as children of a military officer when they saw their mother return from such events as a widow.
He said no amount of money donated would be enough to compensate for the services rendered by war veterans who ensured the protection of the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity.
The governor launched the emblem with N40 million on behalf of the state government while expressing appreciation to all supporters of his administration.