Fubara: My administration battling debt — most of Wike’s projects weren’t fully funded

Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, says most of the projects commissioned by Nyesom Wike, his predecessor, were not fully paid for.

Fubara spoke on Tuesday during the commissioning of the Aleto-Ogale-Ebubu-Eteo road in Eleme LGA of Rivers.

The Rivers governor said contractors who executed projects commissioned by the Wike’s administration have started to request their balance payments.

Fubara said his administration is battling the problem of debt, adding that he is exercising restraint not to reveal certain things.

“This project was awarded at the cost of N6.7 billion, and I can say boldly that no kobo is remaining,” the Rivers governor said.

“We have paid the contractor completely without owing. The purpose of this is to let the world know that if there is one problem this administration has, it is debt.

“Most of the projects commissioned (referring to the last administration), they (the contractors) are coming for their balance payments, which are running into millions and billions.

“I have said I don’t want to talk because I am part of that system, but when they keep pushing me, I will say it.”

Fubara added that the claim that his administration is fighting with the federal government is untrue.

He noted that despite the support given to the state by the federal government, an insider is frustrating the efforts.

“I heard someone say that when we came in, we were fighting the federal government,” he said.

“If we are fighting FG, it’s a different matter. We are talking about the FG that is giving us support while there is a rat inside the house eating the bag of garri.”

Since 2023, Fubara and Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), have been at loggerheads over the political control of the state.

The rift has led to the polarisation of the Rivers state house of assembly.

While attending an event in Rivers at the weekend, Wike apologised for backing Fubara to succeed him as governor, adding that he would correct that mistake in 2027.

On Monday, Fubara said a judicial panel of inquiry would be set up to investigate the management of the state’s resources and affairs under past administrations.

Fubara succeeded Wike as governor in May 2023. He was the accountant-general under the former governor.

In May 2022, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Fubara and 58 others wanted over an alleged N435 billion fraud.