Reps query Rivers Sole Administrator over N1.48trn budget

The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on the political crisis in Rivers State has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), demanding a detailed breakdown of key items listed in the 2025 N1.48 trillion appropriation bill.

During a budget defence session in Abuja on Monday, committee chairman and House Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, explained that a review of the budget presentation revealed several inconsistencies and questionable allocations requiring urgent clarification. One of the allocations questioned was the staggering N24 billion proposed for the installation of CCTV cameras at the Rivers State Government House. Ihonvbere described the figure as excessive, requesting a comprehensive explanation of how the money would be spent.

He also flagged the N30 billion earmarked for the purchase of gunboats and another N23 billion designated as contingency reserves. According to him, such huge provisions required full justification and transparency.

The committee further demanded the submission of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) report for the past three months to assess Rivers’ financial standing relative to its proposed projects and budget deficit.

Additionally, the lawmakers asked for a detailed report on transfers to local governments and how funds allocated to the councils were being managed. Ihonvbere made it clear that the requested documents must reach the committee within 48 hours, reiterating their commitment to accountability and ensuring the protection of Rivers citizens’ interests.

He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for intervening in the ongoing political tension between the suspended state executive and legislature, describing the President’s actions as timely and stabilising.

Responding on behalf of the Sole Administrator, Senior Special Assistant on Strategy and Policy, Andrew Nweke, said the administration inherited the budget framework from its predecessors. He explained that the allocations were based on a needs assessment conducted by implementing agencies and aligned with the priorities of Rivers residents.

He defended the N30 billion gunboat allocation as necessary for securing the state’s waterways, which have suffered from criminal attacks. On the N23 billion contingency fund, he noted that Rivers remains vulnerable to flooding and emergencies, making the provision important.

Concerning the N24 billion CCTV installation, Nweke argued that the Governor’s office must be equipped with modern security and surveillance systems. He promised the committee that all requested documents would be submitted on time to assist the legislative review process.