Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), has revealed that the emoluments of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, members of the State House of Assembly and other political office holders were captured in the proposed N1.48trn 2025 state’s budget.
Ibas, who stated this when he appeared for budget defence before the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State oversight on Wednesday, said the provisions were made in anticipation of the restoration of “constitutional order” in the state upon expiration of the emergency rule.
Daily Trust reports 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, recognising the exigencies 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. Additionally, 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 said.
Ibas highlighted 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.
According to him, 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.
Ibas expressed optimism that implementing the 2025 budget proposal will deliver great socioeconomic benefits for the people of River State.
He, however, informed that the records available to him on the 2024 budget and its actual performance remain a source of concern.
He said, “The quick review of the official records for the 2024 budget shows that the total revenue of the River State Government was N1.04 trillion, compared to a target of N800.39 billion. This represents N250 billion, or 31.6% above the budget target.
“On the expenditure side, the official performance report shows the total expenditure was N740.74 billion, which was N52.7 billion, or 6.7% less than the spending target. It is my well-considered opinion that the expenditures are clearly understated.”
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.
He said, “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.
“We will scrutinise the budget. We will invite you to send your relevant officials for a proper defense. While we are committed to getting Rivers State back on track, we are not going to cut corners.”
Rep. Ihonvbere commended the budget for being people-centered through various interventions, particularly in the areas of women’s empowerment and pensions for retirees.(Daily trust)
