The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has announced that a new 2025 budget is being prepared to address critical developmental needs and restore governance in the state
Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of Rivers lawmakers at the National Assembly, led by Senator Barinada Mpigi, Ibas said the new budget will prioritize healthcare, education, social services, infrastructure, and job creation for the people of Rivers.
“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,” Ibas said. “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.”
The move comes after the Supreme Court ordered suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara to re-present the 2025 budget to the Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly. Fubara had earlier submitted the budget to a parallel three-member Assembly headed by Victor Oko-Jumbo, but efforts to resubmit it were reportedly blocked by opposing lawmakers.
Ibas noted that the new budget will serve as a fresh foundation for governance in Rivers State, following months of political instability.
The meeting with the Rivers caucus in the National Assembly did not include lawmakers loyal to Fubara, such as Boma Goodhead, Allison Anderson, and Ipalibo Banigo. Attendees included Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Kingsley Chinda, Dumnamene Dekor, Solomon Bob, Cyril Hart, Blessing Amadi, Felix Nwaeke, Kelechi Nwogu, and Victor Obuzor.
Meanwhile, a coalition of Nigerian activists in the United States under the Democratic Movement (DM) has announced plans to protest in Washington, D.C., over the ongoing emergency rule in Rivers. The group is calling for the reversal of the emergency declaration, reinstatement of Fubara, and restoration of the dissolved state legislature.
President of the group, Cosmos Achief, said: “We cannot sit back while an elected governor is removed, an entire legislature is suspended and an unelected administrator is imposed. These are dangerous precedents that threaten Nigeria’s democracy.”
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
