(DDM) — Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has disclosed that he met more than ₦600 billion in the state’s coffers after the period of emergency rule, a revelation that has reignited political debate over fiscal accountability, governance conduct, and the lingering tensions between the executive and legislative arms in the oil-rich state.
The governor made the disclosure while responding to criticisms from sections of the political class who have questioned the financial condition of Rivers State following months of intense political instability that culminated in emergency governance measures.
Fubara’s statement appears aimed at countering narratives suggesting that the state’s finances were depleted or recklessly managed during the crisis that paralysed legislative activities and disrupted normal governance structures.
According to the governor, discovering over ₦600 billion in available funds underscored the resilience of Rivers State’s revenue framework and reflected what he described as a culture of prudent financial management.
He assured residents that the funds would be managed transparently and deployed strictly in the interest of public welfare, infrastructure development, and essential services across the state.
Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s highest revenue-generating subnational governments due to its oil assets and federal allocations, has in recent months been at the centre of a bitter political feud involving the governor and members of the State House of Assembly.
The crisis escalated into legislative paralysis, impeachment threats, and violent incidents around the Assembly complex, eventually drawing national attention and federal intervention.
Critics of the Fubara administration have alleged that the political standoff created room for financial opacity, accusing the executive of sidelining legislative oversight during the emergency period.
The governor, however, rejected such claims, insisting that state finances remained intact and properly managed despite the political turbulence.
He maintained that emergency governance did not translate into financial recklessness, arguing instead that the administration prioritised salary payments, ongoing projects, and statutory obligations.
Supporters of the governor have cited the ₦600 billion figure as evidence that the administration resisted pressure to divert public funds despite operating in an atmosphere of uncertainty and political hostility.
Analysts note that Rivers State’s financial position is closely watched nationally, given its history of political dominance, strategic economic importance, and recurring power struggles between governors and political godfathers.
DDM gathered that the disclosure has further deepened divisions between rival political camps, with lawmakers aligned against the governor demanding a detailed breakdown of the funds and expenditures during the emergency period.
Some legislators have called for an independent audit to verify the governor’s claims, arguing that transparency requires more than verbal assurances.
Others within the political establishment argue that the revelation strengthens Fubara’s legitimacy and weakens allegations that emergency rule was used as a cover for financial mismanagement.
Civil society groups have also weighed in, urging the state government to publish comprehensive financial statements to rebuild public trust after months of political uncertainty.
They argue that openness is essential not only to settle political disputes but also to reassure investors and development partners who closely monitor governance stability in Rivers State.
The governor reiterated that his administration remains committed to fiscal discipline, adding that public resources would not be sacrificed on the altar of political battles.
He further pledged to prioritise development projects capable of delivering tangible benefits to ordinary residents, particularly in health, education, road infrastructure, and youth employment.
As Rivers State gradually returns to legislative normalcy, the debate over the ₦600 billion disclosure highlights broader questions about accountability during periods of emergency governance.
Whether the revelation will calm political tensions or fuel renewed scrutiny depends largely on the willingness of all parties to engage transparently and place the state’s long-term stability above partisan interests.