The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), has revealed that the proposed ₦1.48 trillion 2025 state budget includes full provisions for the emoluments of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, members of the State House of Assembly, and other political office holders.
Ibas made this disclosure on Wednesday, June 11, during his appearance before the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State. He explained that the allocations were made in anticipation of a return to constitutional governance once the current state of emergency ends. Fubara and the suspended lawmakers, who have been out of office since March 2025, may soon be reinstated following recent discussions between the governor and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors, some of whom have already accessed allocated funds and are expected to resume duties at the end of the emergency period,” Ibas said.
He noted that the 2025 budget framework incorporates first-quarter expenditure data to ensure compliance with statutory guidelines and promote transparency in public finance management.
Key highlights of the proposed budget include:
-
₦324.5 billion for infrastructure and transportation projects
-
₦55 billion for the relocation and expansion of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
-
₦50 billion for upgrading zonal hospitals
-
₦38.85 billion for shoreline protection and erosion control
-
₦30 billion for zonal secondary schools
-
₦5.75 billion for primary school rehabilitation
Additional allocations include:
-
₦2.5 billion for women’s economic empowerment programs
-
₦3 billion for youth resource centers
-
₦20 billion for recapitalizing the Rivers State Microfinance Bank to support SMEs
-
₦117 billion for pensions, gratuities, and other employee benefits
However, Ibas raised concerns about the accuracy of financial reporting in the 2024 budget. He noted that the state generated ₦1.04 trillion in revenue—exceeding the target of ₦800.39 billion by over 31%. Reported expenditures stood at ₦740.74 billion, falling short of the budgeted amount by ₦52.7 billion.
“In my well-considered opinion, the expenditures are clearly understated,” he told the committee.
In response, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, Chairman of the House Ad-hoc Committee, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to restoring peace, stability, and development in Rivers State.
“This committee is committed to working with you to restore stability, peace, growth, and development in Rivers State,” he said. “While we are determined to get the state back on track, we will not compromise due process.”
Ibas concluded by emphasizing that the 2025 budget is aligned with the Rivers State Development Plan (2017–2027), with a focus on enhanced revenue generation, accelerated infrastructure delivery, human capital development, and inclusive economic growth.
