Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), says the proposed N1.48trn 2025 state’s budget captures the emoluments of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, members of the State House of Assembly and other political office holders.
Ibas, who stated this when he appeared for budget defence before the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State oversight on Wednesday, explained that the provisions were made in anticipation of the restoration of “constitutional order” in the state upon expiration of the emergency rule.
Reports shows that there are indications that Fubara and members of the state assembly, who have been under suspension since March 2025, may be restored to their offices anytime soon, following the recent meetings between the suspended governor and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ibas noted that, 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.
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.
The Sole Administrator pointed several major allocations including N324.50bn for infrastructure and transportation projects; N55bn to relocate and expand Rivers State University Teaching Hospital; N50bn for zonal hospital upgrades; N38.85bn for shoreline protection and erosion control; N30bn for zonal secondary schools and N5.75bn for primary school rehabilitation.
Others are N2.5bn for women’s economic empowerment and N3bn for youth resource centres; N20bn to recapitalise Rivers State Microfinance Bank for Medium and Small Scale Enterprises support, and N117bn in pension, gratuities, and employee benefits.
Ibas added that the proposed 2025 River State Budget aligns with the strategic objectives in the River State Development Plan 2017-2027 as it presents a strategic and integrated framework to raise revenues, accelerate infrastructure development, enhance human capital, and promote inclusive economic growth across all sectors.
He expressed optimism that implementing the 2025 budget proposal will deliver great socioeconomic benefits for the people of River State.
Responding, chairman of the House Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to supporting the peace and development efforts in the state.
Ihonvbere commended the budget for being people-centered through various interventions, particularly in the areas of women empowerment and pensions for retirees.