The Senate on Thursday disclosed that about 85 per cent of the 2025 budget submitted by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), was originally drafted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara before his suspension.
During a recent budget review session in Abuja, the Senate disclosed that about 85 per cent of the N1.48 trillion fiscal plan submitted by the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), originated under Fubara’s leadership.
This information came to light during a presentation led by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who chairs the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Emergency Governance in Rivers State.
Speaking before members of the National Assembly, Bamidele noted that the committee had engaged with top officials in Rivers State’s financial sector to better understand the budget breakdown and how it was prepared.
“In the last three weeks, we’ve reviewed this budget in detail and engaged directly with the sole administrator and key members of his team — including the Accountant General, the Permanent Secretary of Finance, the Budget Director, and the Planning Director — all of whom retained their positions after the emergency rule began,” Bamidele said.
He further noted, “Our findings show that at least 85 per cent of the submitted estimates were drawn up under the Fubara administration. Only 15 per cent was added by the current administrator to accommodate new projects.”
During the session, the committee also discussed a new request by Ibas for a supplementary budget of N50 billion. This fund, according to Ibas, is intended to clear outstanding pension debts and improve overall peace in the state.
“Part of the urgent need is to inject N50 billion to settle pension liabilities and enhance peace in Rivers State. 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,” Bamidele said.
He also noted that over 70 per cent of the total budget has been allocated to capital projects. The Senate viewed this decision as a step in the right direction and encouraged other states to follow the same pattern.
“This shows a clear commitment to development and infrastructure, rather than recurrent expenses,” he said.
