The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has revealed that the proposed ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget includes allocations for suspended political officeholders—signaling a possible return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other officials caught in the state’s ongoing political crisis.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday while defending the budget before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, Ibas explained that the draft fiscal plan was aligned with the Rivers State Development Plan (2017–2027) and structured to maintain continuity in governance.
“In anticipation of the eventual return to constitutional order, the draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors,” he said.
He noted that some of these officials had already accessed funds in the first quarter and are expected to resume duties after the current emergency period ends.
The comments mark the clearest indication yet that Rivers State may soon return to democratic governance, following months of political instability and the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency.
Budget Data Withheld
Ibas, however, expressed concern over what he described as the withholding of key financial data by unnamed Rivers State officials, which he said hampered the ability to prepare a fully comprehensive budget.
“Regrettably, some state officials withheld critical information required to ensure a more complete capture of those expenditures at the time of submission of the budget estimates,” he stated.
Despite these challenges, Ibas assured lawmakers that the budget was crafted to uphold fiscal discipline, transparency, and compliance with statutory guidelines. The proposal includes ₦1.4 trillion in projected revenue and ₦1.48 trillion in total expenditure. It received presidential approval and was submitted to the National Assembly following a Supreme Court ruling validating the current emergency governance structure.
Key Budget Highlights
Some major allocations in the 2025 budget include:
- ₦324.5 billion for infrastructure and transportation
- ₦55 billion for relocation and expansion of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
- ₦50 billion for zonal hospital upgrades
- ₦38.85 billion for shoreline protection
- ₦30 billion for secondary school development
- ₦5.75 billion for primary school rehabilitation
- ₦117 billion for pensions and employee benefits
- ₦20 billion to recapitalize the Rivers State Microfinance Bank
- ₦2.5 billion for women’s economic empowerment
- ₦3 billion for youth resource centers
Lawmakers Commend Budget Approach
Chairman of the oversight committee and House Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, praised Ibas for presenting a “detailed and forward-looking” budget.
“This committee is committed to working with you to restore stability, peace, growth, and development in Rivers State,” Ihonvbere said.
He also applauded the budget’s social investment priorities, particularly the women’s fund and pension provisions, calling them impactful, people-focused initiatives.
“These are areas that touch people’s lives, and we appreciate your commitment,” he added.
As scrutiny of the budget continues, the clearest message from Ibas remains: Rivers State may be preparing for a return to constitutional order—with Fubara and other suspended officials possibly back in office before the year ends.
