The Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, has dismissed allegations of borrowing funds to execute projects in the state, urging agencies such as the Debt Management Office (DMO) to verify and provide evidence of any loans taken under his administration.
Speaking at the inauguration of the reconstructed 11.8-kilometer Okehi-Umuola-Eberi Link Road, along the Okehi-Omuma Road in Etche Local Government Area on Wednesday, Fubara strongly denied claims that his administration increased Rivers State’s external debt from $80 million in 2023 to $203 million in June 2024.
Sources, however, suggested that loans were obtained during the tenure of the immediate past governor for water projects but were allegedly not reported on the DMO website until recently.
Clarifying the state’s financial position, Governor Fubara stated: “I am happy to say here, and I stand to be challenged, that this administration has not borrowed to execute projects. The only money we borrowed was for the Ring Road project, and everyone is aware of that.”
He further refuted the claims, saying, “Go and bring any paper. Go to the Debt Management Office and check if we have requested any loans. We don’t need it. What matters is that we are managing the little we receive effectively.”
Fubara also assured the public that the withdrawal of state funds would not hinder his administration’s commitment to providing essential social services and infrastructure projects for the people of Rivers State.
The Governor announced plans to showcase his administration’s landmark projects during a 14-day period in December 2024, adding that his government remains dedicated to delivering quality infrastructure across the state.
He expressed confidence that these projects would significantly enhance the socio-economic conditions of the communities and benefit local government areas.
Reiterating his commitment under the “Rivers First” mantra, Fubara remarked, “We are starting to showcase what we’ve accomplished during the months when people questioned our actions and the whereabouts of funds. I’m grateful to the contractors for delivering on their commitments and to the people of Rivers State for their unwavering support.”
On the Okehi-Umuola-Eberi Link Road project, Fubara noted, “I stand to be challenged, but Omuma had not witnessed any significant project for over eight years. It was during our administration that we awarded the Umuakali-Eberi Road project. When we noticed the access road was bad, we decided it needed to be reconstructed before commissioning the main project.”
The Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, commended the project, explaining that the road was in deplorable condition before reconstruction began five months ago. He described the work done, stating: “The road is 7.3 meters wide, with a design specification of 150 millimeters of stone base, 50 millimeters of binder course, and 50 millimeters of wearing course. We also carried out cement stabilization in some wet areas to ensure durability.”
