Rivers 2025 budget provides for Fubara’s return—Ibas
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), the only administrator of Rivers State, stated that the projected ₦1.48 tn 2025 budget includes the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other political officeholders.
Ibas stated this in Abuja on Wednesday while defending the budget to the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight.
According to him, the proposed budget is consistent with the River State Development Plan’s strategic objectives for 2017-2027.
He also stated that the proposal outlines a strategy and integrated framework for increasing revenues and accelerating infrastructure development, improving human capital, and promoting equitable economic growth across all sectors.
He continued: “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 did, however, accuse some suspected Rivers State officials of failing to give the administration with critical information needed to prepare the budget plan.
Ibas went on to say, “Unfortunately, some state authorities withheld important information necessary to ensure a more thorough capture of such expenses at the time of budget estimate submission.
“However, understanding the urgent situation due to the state of emergency and the need for financial trust, the budget plan includes spending information that was available before the budget proposal was submitted to confirm the first quarter spending in a legal and clear way.”
“This ensures alignment with statutory appropriation protocols while safeguarding the integrity of public finance management.”
The National Assembly approved the Rivers State 2025 budget, totalling ₦1.48 trillion in expenditure and ₦1.4 trillion in revenue, following presidential assent and the Supreme Court’s verdict on the legitimacy of the appropriation process.
In his introductory remarks, Ibas expressed gratitude to the committee for their dedication.
“We in Rivers State are most grateful for your commitment.” “Despite your hectic schedules, you have demonstrated an unrelenting commitment to fulfilling your constitutional responsibilities,” he remarked.
Ibas announced significant allocations, including 324.50bn for infrastructure and transport projects, 55bn to relocate and expand Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, 50bn for zonal hospital upgrades, 38.85bn for shoreline protection and erosion control, 30bn for zonal secondary schools, and 5.75 billion for primary school rehabilitation.
Other investments include ₦2.5 billion for women’s economic empowerment, ₦3 billion for youth resource centres, ₦20 billion to recapitalise the Rivers State Microfinance Bank for medium- and small-scale enterprise support, and ₦117 billion for pensions, gratuities, and employee benefits.
In response, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Rivers State Oversight, praised Ibas for his exhaustive presentation and expressed the committee’s willingness to work with the administration to restore peace and development to Rivers State.
He also vowed that the committee would analyse the budget estimate in the best interests of the oil-rich state and its people.
Ihonvbere stated, “I want to express my gratitude and assure you that our committee is committed to collaborating with you to restore stability, peace, progress, and development in Rivers State.
“Rivers has always been a bright example of what can be accomplished with strong leadership, which is why this commitment is here.
“We will review the budget. We would like you to send a proper budget defence to your appropriate officials. We remain steadfast in our commitment to collaborating with you to restore Rivers State to its previous state.
Ihonvbere, who also serves as the House majority leader, emphasised significant social welfare components in the budget, such as women’s empowerment and retiree pensions, describing them as necessary and people-centered initiatives.
“These are regions that affect people’s lives, and we understand the plight of their families. ‘We appreciate your bold commitments,’ he added.