The Senate has revealed that approximately 85 percent of the N1.48 trillion 2025 budget submitted by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), was originally prepared by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara before the emergency rule took effect.
This disclosure was made on Thursday during a budget defence session at the National Assembly by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Chairman of the Senate Ad hoc Committee on Emergency Governance in Rivers State.
Sen. Bamidele said the Senate has spent the past three weeks thoroughly reviewing the budget and engaging directly with Ibas and key state officials, who retained their posts following the suspension of the Fubara administration.
“Our findings show that at least 85 percent of the submitted estimates were drawn up under the Fubara administration.
“Only 15 percent was added by the current administrator to accommodate new projects,” Sen. Bamidele stated.
The Senate committee also revealed that the Ibas has requested a N50 billion supplementary budget to address outstanding pension liabilities and to enhance socio-political stability in the state.
“Part of the urgent need is to inject N50 billion to settle pension liabilities and enhance peace in Rivers State.
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“The administrator is passionate about it, and we agree, governance is not just about roads and infrastructure. It’s also about ensuring those who have served the state receive their due,” Sen. Bamidele added.
The 2025 budget which has over 70 percent allocation to capital projects, was commended by the Senate as a model for other states in terms of prioritizing infrastructure and development over recurrent expenditure.
“This shows a clear commitment to development and infrastructure, rather than recurrent expenses,” Sen. Bamidele said, praising the emphasis on capital investment despite the political transition in the state.
The Senate further pledged to closely monitor the disbursement and implementation of the budget, affirming its oversight role as emergency rule continues in Rivers State.
The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State led to the suspension of Governor Fubara and the appointment of Ibas as sole administrator earlier this year by the federal government, triggering nationwide debate and scrutiny.
