The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), has disclosed that the emoluments of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, members of the State House of Assembly, and other political office holders were included in the proposed N1.48 trillion 2025 state budget.

 

Ibas made the revelation on Wednesday, June 11, while appearing before the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State oversight to defend the proposed budget. He explained that the provisions were made in anticipation of a return to constitutional governance following the expected expiration of the current emergency rule in the state.

There are growing indications that Governor Fubara and members of the Assembly, who have been under suspension since March 2025, could be reinstated soon, following recent engagements between the governor and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

Speaking on the budget framework, Ibas said it integrates expenditure data from the first quarter of the year to ensure statutory compliance and transparency in public finance management. “The draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors, some of whom have already drawn on allocated resources and are expected to resume their duties at the expiration of the emergency period,” he noted.

Key highlights of the budget include N324.5 billion earmarked for infrastructure and transportation projects, N55 billion for the relocation and expansion of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, and N50 billion for upgrading zonal hospitals. Other allocations include N38.85 billion for shoreline protection and erosion control, N30 billion for zonal secondary schools, and N5.75 billion for primary school rehabilitation.

 

Additional allocations include N2.5 billion for women’s economic empowerment, N3 billion for youth resource centres, N20 billion for the recapitalisation of the Rivers State Microfinance Bank to support small and medium-sized enterprises, and N117 billion for pensions, gratuities, and employee benefits.

 

Ibas said the budget aligns with the Rivers State Development Plan 2017–2027, targeting enhanced revenue generation, accelerated infrastructure growth, human capital development, and inclusive economic progress across sectors.

However, he raised concerns over the 2024 budget, citing discrepancies in reported expenditures. According to him, the state recorded a total revenue of N1.04 trillion in 2024, surpassing the target of N800.39 billion by over 31 percent. He said total expenditures were reported at N740.74 billion, which was below the spending target by N52.7 billion, adding, “It is my well-considered opinion that the expenditures are clearly understated.”

 

Responding, the Chairman of the House Ad-hoc Committee, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, reiterated the committee’s support for restoring peace and development in Rivers State. He assured that the committee would scrutinise the proposed budget thoroughly and engage relevant state officials in the process.

 

“This committee is committed to working with you to restore stability, peace, growth, and development in Rivers State,” he said, adding, “While we are committed to getting Rivers State back on track, we are not going to cut corners.”