Fubara Targeted by False Debt Narratives, Says Aduwo

President of Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity, a non-governmental organisation, Comrade Olufemi Aduwo, on Sunday said Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is being targeted by false debt narrative aimed at smearing him.

Aduwo premised his assertions on records from the Debt Management Office (DMO) which reveals that Rivers State’s domestic debt stood at N389.20 billion as at June 2023, debt, which significantly predates Governor Fubara’s administration.

The civil society leader however stated that the assertion by an online publication that Governor Siminalayi Fubara increased Rivers State’s debt from N5 billion to N213 billion within a year has been dismissed as a distortion of facts.

Aduwo emphasised that state governments are constitutionally allowed to borrow, provided such funds are directed toward developmental projects.

He cited Lagos State, Nigeria’s wealthiest state, as a prime example. Despite being the most indebted, Lagos’s resource management and developmental strides justify its borrowing.

Aduwo pointed that Fubara’s only loan—secured so far was for the Ring Road project which is a vital infrastructure initiative designed to boost economic growth and connectivity.

“The loan is already being serviced, reflecting his commitment to fiscal responsibility.”

Speaking further, Aduwo noted that Fubara has faced considerable persecution since taking office, with politically motivated attacks targeting his administration. He criticised the sensationalism of certain media outlets, calling for public discourse to be grounded in accuracy and fairness rather than misinformation.

He urged the publication to consult credible institutions such as the DMO, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the African Development Bank for clarification on Rivers’ debt profile. Aduwo warned that failing to verify facts risks misleading the public and damaging the credibility of responsible journalism.

In his statement, Aduwo declared it unjust to link Fubara to debts incurred before his tenure, describing such claims as dishonest and distracting from real developmental challenges. He urged the media to prioritise facts over political undertones and sensationalism, noting that the people of Rivers State deserve transparent and fair reporting.