The House of Representatives has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Rivers State’s sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), demanding a comprehensive breakdown of the state’s proposed ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget.
At the budget defence session held in Abuja on Monday, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo), Chairman of the ad hoc committee on Rivers and House Majority Leader, expressed serious concerns over several controversial allocations. Among the queried figures:
- ₦24 billion for CCTV cameras in the Government House
- ₦30 billion for gunboats to support security agencies
- ₦23 billion for contingency reserves, without clear justification
Mr Ihonvbere also demanded the submission of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) — a legally required document that precedes any budget presentation — and called for transparency regarding state Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the past three months, as well as the management of local government funds.
He emphasized the need for accountability and transparency, stating,
“We want to ensure that the interest of the people, no matter how remote they are from the state capital, is protected.”
In defense, Andrew Nweke, speaking on behalf of Mr Ibas, stated that many of the items in the budget were inherited from previous administrations and aligned with needs assessments. He explained that:
- The ₦30 billion for gunboats was meant to bolster security along volatile waterways.
- The ₦23 billion contingency fund would help the state respond to floods and other emergencies.
- The ₦24 billion CCTV budget was to enhance modern surveillance at the Government House.
Nweke assured the lawmakers that all requested documents would be provided promptly.
Mr Ihonvbere also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s role in restoring political stability in Rivers State, following tensions between the suspended governor and the legislature.
Additional report from NAN
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