The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, says they will not be using the controversial budget that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara passed through the minority three-member House of Assembly.
Ibas said that a new appropriation bill for 2025 was being put together to provide for critical development concerns in healthcare delivery, education, agriculture and infrastructure.
The administrator gave the hint when he hosted the delegation of Rivers State caucus at the National Assembly, led by Dr Barinada Mpigi, the Senator representing Rivers South-East District, at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Gov Fubara’s 2025 Budget Dumped By Rivers Administrator Ibas
The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, says they will not be using the controversial budget that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara passed through the minority three-member House of Assembly.
Ibas said that a new appropriation bill for 2025 was being put together to provide for critical development concerns in healthcare delivery, education, agriculture and infrastructure.
The administrator gave the hint when he hosted the delegation of Rivers State caucus at the National Assembly, led by Dr Barinada Mpigi, the Senator representing Rivers South-East District, at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas also said that the anticipated budget would cater to creating more employment opportunities for Rivers people and advancing the delivery of technology in critical facets of public life.
Those on the delegation included Senator Allwell Onyesoh, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, Hon Solomon Bob, Hon. Cyril Godwin Hart, Hon. Blessing Amadi, Hon. Felix Nwaeke, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, and Hon. Victor Obuzor.
Ibas told them he had been resolute, since assumption of office, to restore law and order, and with support from the security agencies, an environment had been created where Rivers resident felt valued and safer.
The Administrator stated his commitment to making Rivers a model of peace in the comity of states, with a stable economy and citizens courageous to pursue their livelihood without fear or molestation.
“In addition to our peace building efforts, we are also focused on the economic stability and development of Rivers State.
“Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly and decided to put together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development.
“We have worked diligently to ensure that the process is transparent, inclusive, and most importantly expedited. Our goal is to ensure that we do not lose any more time in making the necessary investments that will improve the lives of citizens.”
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas stated: “The budget which is being finalised focuses on creating job opportunities and investing in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology. We understand the urgency of this initiative, and we are committed to ensuring that they are implemented without delay.”
The Administrator noted that to get the task done, the support of the legislators will be required as key representatives of Rivers State in the National Assembly.
He sued for their assistance in securing the necessary resources and legislative backing that would bring the initiative of his administration to fruition.
“Your partnership is critical to success in ensuring that Rivers State remains on the path of progress and enduring peace for future generations.”
Furthermore, he explained that in the face of the challenges that beset Rivers, which led to the State of Emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, dialogue, community engagement and reconciliation were deplored to build trust among the citizenry.
He noted that the people of Rivers State had shown incredible resilience and patience in the efforts taken so far to restore the state back to the path of peace and respect for the law.
Ibas assured that his administration remained committed to achieving enduring peace for the state.
He said: “Beyond security, we have prioritised community engagements as a central part of our strategy. Dialogue, reconciliation, and inclusivity have been key to building trust among our people.
“We are determined to strengthen the bond of unity in Rivers State and to foster an environment where every citizen feels valued, heard, and respected. Together, we are making strides in ensuring that peace becomes a permanent feature of our state.”
In his speech, Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East District, said they were dedicated representatives of Rivers people at the National Assembly and resolved to support all efforts that will bring development to the State.
While commending the Administrator for success so far achieved, the Senator pledged their support and cooperation to returning Rivers to the path of law and order.
Fubara had on January 2 signed the 2025 N1.1 trillion Appropriation Bill into law, as approved by the Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Rivers State House of Assembly comprising five minority factional legislators.
However, the Supreme Court in March ordered him to return the budget for approval by the majority 27 legislators under the factional Speaker Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The process to present the budget was on when the State of Emergency was declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas also said that the anticipated budget would cater to creating more employment opportunities for Rivers people and advancing the delivery of technology in critical facets of public life.
Those on the delegation included Senator Allwell Onyesoh, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, Hon Solomon Bob, Hon. Cyril Godwin Hart, Hon. Blessing Amadi, Hon. Felix Nwaeke, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, and Hon. Victor Obuzor.
Ibas told them he had been resolute, since assumption of office, to restore law and order, and with support from the security agencies, an environment had been created where Rivers resident felt valued and safer.
The Administrator stated his commitment to making Rivers a model of peace in the comity of states, with a stable economy and citizens courageous to pursue their livelihood without fear or molestation.
“In addition to our peace building efforts, we are also focused on the economic stability and development of Rivers State.
“Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly and decided to put together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development.
“We have worked diligently to ensure that the process is transparent, inclusive, and most importantly expedited. Our goal is to ensure that we do not lose any more time in making the necessary investments that will improve the lives of citizens.”
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas stated: “The budget which is being finalised focuses on creating job opportunities and investing in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology. We understand the urgency of this initiative, and we are committed to ensuring that they are implemented without delay.”
The Administrator noted that to get the task done, the support of the legislators will be required as key representatives of Rivers State in the National Assembly.
He sued for their assistance in securing the necessary resources and legislative backing that would bring the initiative of his administration to fruition.
“Your partnership is critical to success in ensuring that Rivers State remains on the path of progress and enduring peace for future generations.”
Furthermore, he explained that in the face of the challenges that beset Rivers, which led to the State of Emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, dialogue, community engagement and reconciliation were deplored to build trust among the citizenry.
He noted that the people of Rivers State had shown incredible resilience and patience in the efforts taken so far to restore the state back to the path of peace and respect for the law.
Ibas assured that his administration remained committed to achieving enduring peace for the state.
He said: “Beyond security, we have prioritised community engagements as a central part of our strategy. Dialogue, reconciliation, and inclusivity have been key to building trust among our people.
“We are determined to strengthen the bond of unity in Rivers State and to foster an environment where every citizen feels valued, heard, and respected. Together, we are making strides in ensuring that peace becomes a permanent feature of our state.”
In his speech, Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East District, said they were dedicated representatives of Rivers people at the National Assembly and resolved to support all efforts that will bring development to the State.
While commending the Administrator for success so far achieved, the Senator pledged their support and cooperation to returning Rivers to the path of law and order.
Fubara had on January 2 signed the 2025 N1.1 trillion Appropriation Bill into law, as approved by the Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Rivers State House of Assembly comprising five minority factional legislators.
However, the Supreme Court in March ordered him to return the budget for approval by the majority 27 legislators under the factional Speaker Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The process to present the budget was on when the State of Emergency was declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
