…say suspended officials fustrating budget planning
By Gloria Ikibah
The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), has decried a lack of cooperation from some suspended state officials, which he said hindered comprehensive budget planning.
Ibas stated when he presented the N1.48 2025 budget of Rivers State to the House of Representatives Adhoc Commitee on Rivers State Oversight Wednesday in Abuja.
The Sole Administrator said the budget is a bold fiscal framework to restore infrastructure, improve social services, and drive inclusive development under the going state of emergency.
The ₦1.48 trillion budget has with projected ₦1.4 trillion in revenue, was transmitted to the National Assembly following presidential approval after the Supreme Court’s ruling on the legality of the Rivers State 2025 appropriation process. It reflects strategic priorities in line with the Rivers State Development Plan 2017–2027.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Ibas commended the adhoc 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 fulfill your constitutional duties.
“Regrettably, some state officials withheld critical information required to ensure a more complete capture of expenditures already undertaken during the first quarter of the fiscal year by the suspended administration”.
According to him, despite these challenges, the budget framework was revised to lawfully ratify those expenditures while ensuring transparency and alignment with national appropriation standards.
The administrator highlighted several major allocations which are:
“The sum of ₦324.5 billion for infrastructure and transportation projects; ₦55 billion to relocate and expand Rivers State University Teaching Hospital; ₦50 billion for zonal hospital upgrades; ₦38.85 billion for shoreline protection and erosion control; ₦30 billion for zonal secondary schools and ₦5.75 billion for primary school rehabilitation;₦2.5 billion for women’s economic empowerment and ₦3 billion for youth resource centers; ₦20 billion to recapitalisle Rivers State Microfinance Bank for MSME support;₦117 billion in pension, gratuities, and employee benefits.
“God willing, every Rivers citizen with a great idea, carefully thought out and well-planned, will find the funding required to turn their dreams into successful ventures, irrespective of tribe, ethnic, or political divide,” Ibas stated.
In response, Chairman of the adhoc Commitee, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, commended Ibas for the detailed presentation and reiterated the committee’s readiness to partner with the administrator in restoring peace and development to Rivers State.
“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 scrutinize the budget. We will invite you to send your relevant officials for a proper defense 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”, he asserted.
Rep. Ihonvbere also noted key social welfare components in the budget, such as women empowerment and pensions for retirees, describing them as necessary and people-centered interventions.
“These are areas that touch the people’s lives, and we know the plight of their families. We appreciate you for making these bold commitments,” he added.
The committee is expected to commence further budget defense sessions in the coming weeks, as lawmakers will review the proposal to ensure fiscal discipline, accountability, and effective implementation in line with the emergency governance structure.
