JUST IN: Rivers Sole Administrator Hints at Fubara’s Return

Rivers Sole Administrator Hints at Fubara’s Return

 

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has revealed that the proposed ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget anticipates the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other affected political officeholders.

 

His remarks come amid ongoing political uncertainty in the oil-rich state.

 

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday while defending the budget before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, Ibas noted that the draft budget was crafted in alignment with the Rivers State Development Plan (2017–2027) and was designed to ensure 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,” Ibas said.

 

“Some of these individuals have already drawn from allocated resources in the first quarter and are expected to resume their duties at the expiration of the emergency period.”

 

His comments are the clearest indication yet that a return to democratic governance is being factored into the state’s fiscal planning following a prolonged political crisis and the imposition of a state of emergency.

 

Ibas also used the opportunity to accuse unnamed Rivers State officials of withholding vital financial data necessary for the preparation of a 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 said.

 

Despite these challenges, Ibas assured the lawmakers that the budget framework was developed to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency. It integrates first-quarter expenditure data and aligns with statutory appropriation requirements.

 

The proposed budget includes ₦1.4 trillion in projected revenue and ₦1.48 trillion in expenditures. It was submitted to the National Assembly following presidential approval and a Supreme Court ruling affirming the legality of the appropriation process under the current emergency administration.

 

Major allocations in the 2025 budget include ₦324.5 billion for infrastructure and transportation, ₦55 billion for the relocation and expansion of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, and ₦50 billion for upgrading zonal hospitals. Other allocations include ₦38.85 billion for shoreline protection, ₦30 billion for secondary school projects, and ₦5.75 billion for primary school rehabilitation.

 

Further provisions include ₦2.5 billion for women’s economic empowerment, ₦3 billion for youth resource centres, and ₦20 billion for recapitalizing the Rivers State Microfinance Bank to support small and medium-scale enterprises. Pension and employee benefits are also a key focus, with ₦117 billion allocated for that purpose.

 

Responding to the presentation, Chairman of the oversight committee and House Majority Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, commended Ibas for his 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. “We will scrutinise the budget and invite relevant officials for proper defence. We are committed, but we will not cut corners.”

 

He also highlighted the social welfare elements of the budget, including the women’s empowerment fund and pension provisions, describing them as people-focused initiatives.

 

“These are areas that touch people’s lives, and we know the plight of their families. We appreciate you for making these bold commitments,” Ihonvbere added.