As Nigerians continue to call for the return of the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and other affected political office holders, the state’s Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has said that the proposed N1.48 trillion 2025 budget anticipates their return.
Ibas said this in Abuja on Wednesday while defending the budget before the House of Representatives’ Ad Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight.
He also said the proposal presents a strategic and integrated framework designed to raise revenues and accelerate infrastructure development, enhance human capital, and promote inclusive economic growth across all sectors.
He said: “In anticipation of the eventual return to constitutional order, the draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors, some of whom have already drawn on allocated resources in the first quarter and are expected to resume their duties at the expiration of the emergency period.”
He, however, accused some suspected Rivers State officials of failure to provide the administration with useful information required to prepare the budget proposal.
Ibas also said: “Regrettably, some state officials withheld critical information required to ensure a more complete capture of those expenditures at the time of submission of the budget estimates.
“However, recognising the exigency under the state of emergency and the need to ensure fiscal credibility, the budget framework integrates expenditure information made available before the submission of the budget proposal to ratify the first quarter expenditures in a lawful and transparent structure.
“This ensures alignment with statutory appropriation protocols while safeguarding the integrity of public finance management.”
Persecondnews recalls that the budget, totalling N1.48 trillion in expenditure with a projected N1.4 trillion in revenue, was transmitted to the National Assembly following presidential approval after the Supreme Court ruled on the legality of the Rivers State 2025 appropriation process.
In his opening remarks, Ibas thanked the committee for its dedication.
He said: “We in Rivers State are most grateful for your commitment. Despite your tight schedules, you have shown unwavering resolve to fulfil your constitutional duties.”
Ibas highlighted several major allocations, including N324.50 billion for infrastructure and transportation projects; N55 billion for the relocation and expansion of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital; N50 billion for zonal hospital upgrades; N38.85 billion for shoreline protection and erosion control; N30 billion for zonal secondary schools and N5.75 billion for primary school rehabilitation.
Others included N2.5 billion for women’s economic empowerment and N30 billion for youth resource centres; N20 billion to recapitalise the Rivers State Microfinance Bank for medium and small-scale enterprise support; and N117 billion for pensions, gratuities, and employee benefits.
Responding, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Rivers State oversight, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, commended Ibas for the detailed presentation and affirmed the committee’s readiness to partner with the administrator in restoring peace and development to Rivers State.
He also pledged the committee’s readiness to scrutinise the budget estimate in the interest of the oil-rich state and its people.
He said: “I want to especially thank you and let you know that this committee is committed to working with you to restore stability, peace, growth, and development in Rivers State.
“Rivers has always been a shining example of what is possible with good leadership, and that is why this commitment is here.
“We will scrutinise the budget. We will invite you to send your relevant officials for a proper defence of the budget. In as much as we are committed to joining hands with you to get Rivers State back on track, we are not going to cut corners.”
Ihonvbere, who doubles as the House Majority Leader, also highlighted key social welfare components in the budget, such as women’s empowerment and pensions for retirees, describing them as necessary and people-centred interventions.
He said: “These are areas that touch people’s lives, and we know the plight of their families. We appreciate you for making these bold commitments.”
Persecondnews had reported that President Bola Tinubu swore in Ibas as the sole administrator of the state on March 19, after declaring a state of emergency in the state on March 18 in a bid to end the power struggle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his estranged successor, Fubara.
Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months.
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