Rivers Sole Administrator Hints at Governor Fubara’s Return in 2025 Budget Presentation

₦1.48 Trillion Budget Provides for Suspended Political Officeholders

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has disclosed that the proposed ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget anticipates the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other affected political officeholders.

TJ News Nigeria reports that Ibas made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while defending the budget before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight. His remarks are the clearest indication yet that the Rivers State government is factoring a return to constitutional governance into its fiscal planning following the prolonged political crisis that led to the imposition of a state of emergency.

According to Ibas, the 2025 draft budget was designed in line with the Rivers State Development Plan (2017–2027), aimed at ensuring governance continuity amid the ongoing political instability in the state.

 

Key Provisions for Suspended Officials

“In anticipation of the eventual return to constitutional order, the draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors,” Ibas stated during his presentation.

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“Some of these individuals have already drawn from allocated resources in the first quarter and are expected to resume their duties at the expiration of the emergency period,” he added.

The suspended officials include key members of Governor Fubara’s administration, whose removal followed months of political tension between the governor and some powerful political interests in the state, eventually culminating in the federal declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers.

Challenges in Budget Preparation

Ibas also revealed that the budget drafting process faced hurdles, particularly from certain unnamed state officials who allegedly withheld vital financial information.

“Regrettably, some state officials withheld critical information required to ensure a more complete capture of those expenditures at the time of submission of the budget estimates,” Ibas lamented.

Despite the challenges, Ibas assured the lawmakers that the 2025 budget was structured to maintain fiscal discipline, transparency, and alignment with statutory appropriation requirements. The framework integrates first-quarter expenditure data and complies with both presidential directives and a Supreme Court ruling affirming the legality of the appropriation process under the state of emergency.

Breakdown of Major Budget Allocations

The ₦1.48 trillion expenditure projection is expected to be funded by ₦1.4 trillion in anticipated revenue. Significant allocations include:

• ₦324.5 billion for infrastructure and transportation development

• ₦55 billion for the relocation and expansion of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital

• ₦50 billion for upgrading zonal hospitals across the state

• ₦38.85 billion earmarked for shoreline protection

• ₦30 billion for secondary school infrastructure projects

• ₦5.75 billion for rehabilitation of primary schools

Additionally, the budget provides:

• ₦2.5 billion for women’s economic empowerment initiatives

• ₦3 billion for youth resource development centres

• ₦20 billion for recapitalizing the Rivers State Microfinance Bank to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

• ₦117 billion for pensions and employee benefits

Lawmakers React

Responding to the presentation, Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee and House Majority Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, commended Ibas for his detailed and forward-thinking approach to the budget, especially its social welfare components.

“This committee is committed to working with you to restore stability, peace, growth, and development in Rivers State,” Ihonvbere stated.

He emphasized that the welfare-oriented provisions, including women’s empowerment and pensions, were commendable, noting that they addressed the immediate needs of ordinary citizens.

“These are areas that touch people’s lives, and we know the plight of their families. We appreciate you for making these bold commitments,” Ihonvbere added.

Background of the Rivers Political Crisis

The Rivers political crisis escalated late last year, following a fierce political standoff between Governor Fubara and key political actors in the state, reportedly including elements loyal to the former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. The crisis led to the suspension of Fubara and several of his close allies from office, prompting the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the oil-rich state.

The budgetary provisions for Fubara’s potential return now signal a possible shift in the political landscape, as stakeholders continue to press for the restoration of constitutional order and resolution of the leadership dispute.

The development is expected to fuel further political debate in the coming days as Nigerians watch closely for signs of reconciliation or escalation in Rivers State.

TJ News Nigeria gathered that the House Committee will continue its budget scrutiny in subsequent sessions, with invitations expected to be extended to relevant stakeholders for further clarifications and defence.