Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state has accused certain individuals of plotting against the state and attempting to bring suffering to its people ahead of Christmas.
Speaking on Thursday in Port Harcourt during the launch of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Fund, Fubara revealed that these unnamed adversaries were working to create a “black Christmas” for Rivers, but vowed to protect the state from their destructive plans.
Court Order and Financial Struggles
Fubara’s remarks come in the wake of a controversial court order that barred the disbursement of federal financial allocations to Rivers State. In October, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a restraining order against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), preventing it from releasing funds from the federation account to the Rivers state government until a valid appropriation bill is passed by a properly constituted state assembly.
The suit, filed by the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of Martins Amaewhule, led to the court ruling that the 2024 Appropriation Bill was presented by the governor to an “improperly constituted” five-member assembly. The court’s judgment has sparked widespread criticism from various quarters, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who warned that the verdict could destabilize the state.
Despite the legal setback, Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of Rivers citizens. He stated that his government remains focused on fulfilling its obligations, including paying workers’ salaries, even amidst the financial challenges posed by the court order.
“We are determined to make sure that the interest of Rivers state is the first thing in our minds,” Fubara asserted. “There are people who want to create chaos and widespread disaffection, but we will continue to protect the state from their machinations.”
The governor described the efforts to block the state’s funds as a deliberate attempt to harm the livelihoods of Rivers people during the holiday season. “Some persons who have decided to be enemies of this state wanted us to experience a black Christmas,” he said, emphasizing that his administration had worked tirelessly to ensure that the state’s finances remain stable despite the challenges.
Significant Improvements for Civil Servants
Fubara also took pride in the significant improvements in civil servant salaries, which he credited as one of his administration’s major successes. He proudly noted that, despite the financial struggles caused by the legal battle, the Rivers government had managed to increase civil servant salaries from N70,000 to N120,000 and even N140,000 for some workers.
He further emphasized that this achievement brings the greatest joy to his administration. “What is the greatest joy any government can achieve?” Fubara asked rhetorically. “You might do some projects, but the most important thing is the happiness that you leave in the hearts of people.”
According to Fubara, the long-term impact of improved salaries will be remembered by the citizens for generations. “People might forget the projects, but they will never forget how they struggled with their children’s school fees because of low salaries,” he said. “But with these improved salaries, many will remember that their children became graduates, lawyers, judges, and engineers, all thanks to this government.”
In his speech, Fubara underscored the importance of ensuring that the people of Rivers State are always prioritized. “The most important thing is making sure that Rivers people are first in everything we do,” he added.
On the subject of the Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Fund, Fubara reflected on his childhood memories as the child of a military officer, recalling how his family celebrated the return of his mother, a widow of a fallen soldier, after each remembrance event. The governor expressed his deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by the country’s war veterans, highlighting that no amount of money could adequately repay them for their service in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity.
At the event, Fubara led by example, donating N40 million on behalf of the Rivers state government to support the Armed Forces Remembrance fund. The governor took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the supporters of his administration and urged others to contribute to the cause.
As Fubara continues to navigate the financial and political turbulence surrounding Rivers state, he remains steadfast in his commitment to the welfare of its people. His leadership has been marked by resilience in the face of challenges, and he has vowed to continue fighting against those who seek to destabilize the state and its government.
As the festive season approaches, Governor Fubara’s message to Rivers citizens is clear: despite the ongoing obstacles, the government will continue to prioritize their well-being, ensuring that this Christmas will not be overshadowed by the efforts of those plotting against the state.
