Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, revealed that numerous projects undertaken during the tenure of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, remain unpaid, accumulating debts in billions.
Fubara disclosed this on Tuesday during the unveiling of the 10.98km Aleto-Ogale-Ebubu-Eteo Road, also known as Old Bori Road in Eleme Local Government Area of the state by Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.
He noted that the contractors who handled most of the projects for Wike’s administration are now returning for outstanding payments.
He said, “This road was previously not completed but has now been completed. It should be noted. For the records, this contract was awarded to CCECC on August 14, 2023, by this administration.
“This project was awarded N6.7bn, and I can say boldly that no kobo is remaining. 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 (by the last administration), the contractors are still coming for their balance payments 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 so that we will see the nyansh of the fowl.
“But let us leave that one until they are ready; we will also be ready. The small one we are doing now, they are not sleeping; I wonder what will happen when we do the big one,.”
The governor further expressed his intention to appear for the project inauguration with a ‘white paper’ detailing project funding.
“As we proceed, we will create a white paper showing the record and amounts this project was awarded,” he added.
Fubara clarified that his administration has not engaged in conflicts with the Federal Government, saying it has instead received support, although challenges persist due to the interest of an insider.
“I heard someone say that when we came in, we were fighting the Federal Government. FG did not use any instrument of state to frustrate you; our scenarios are quite different.
“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. You can imagine such a situation but we have already set the otapiapia for that rat,” he boasted.
He also justified the presence of Otti at the commissioning, citing a commitment to aligning with progressive figures.
“You know I am not a long talker, but for the few ones, I will say the internet will be in trouble. You might be wondering why I invited the Abia State Governor. It is because he is not an artificial integrity man but an action integrity man,” he said.
On his part, Otti commended Fubara for the job he is doing in Rivers State.
He described Fubara’s style of governance as true leadership, adding that true leadership is service to the people, not to a few interests.
Otti said that having served in the administration of Peter Odili and Rotimi Amaechi, Governor Fubara had come prepared. He believes Fubara cannot be distracted by the political instability in Rivers State.
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