The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has announced that the proposed N1.48 trillion budget for 2025 anticipates the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other political officeholders affected by the suspension.
Ibas disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday as he defended the budget in front of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight. He stated that the proposed budget aligns with the strategic goals outlined in the Rivers State Development Plan for 2017-2027.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the proposal offers a structured and integrated approach to increasing revenues, fast-tracking infrastructure development, enhancing human capital, and fostering inclusive economic growth across various sectors.
“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.
He accused certain suspected officials in Rivers State of failing to supply the necessary information that would assist the administration in preparing the budget proposal.
The budget, which amounts to ₦1.48 trillion in expenses with an expected ₦1.4 trillion in revenue, was submitted to the National Assembly following presidential approval after the Supreme Court determined the legality of the Rivers State 2025 appropriation process.
In response, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Rivers State oversight, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, praised Ibas for his thorough presentation and expressed the committee’s willingness to collaborate with the administrator to restore peace and development in Rivers State.
He also assured that the committee is prepared to examine the budget estimates in the interest of the oil-rich state and its residents.
