The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has revealed that the 2025 appropriation bill is being drafted to prioritize healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and job creation.
Speaking Thursday during a meeting with the Rivers State caucus in the National Assembly at Government House, Port Harcourt, Ibas emphasized the administration’s commitment to economic development, peace-building, and technological advancement.
“Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly to craft a new budget that reflects our commitment to public service and infrastructural growth,” he said. “We’re making the process transparent, inclusive, and expedited to avoid further delays.”
He added that collaboration with lawmakers is crucial for keeping Rivers State “on the path of progress and enduring peace.”
The delegation, led by Senator Barinada Mpigi (Rivers South-East), included fellow lawmakers Allwell Onyesoh, Kingsley Chinda, and other members of the House of Representatives. Mpigi assured the administrator of their support for all peace and development initiatives.
The move comes amid efforts to resolve the state’s prolonged budget crisis, which began in 2023 with a divided state assembly and culminated in legal battles that invalidated the 2024 budget passed by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In March 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending the governor, his deputy, and the entire state assembly. Ibas was appointed as sole administrator shortly after.
Last month, the state’s previously withheld FAAC funds were released, paving the way for renewed fiscal planning and governance.
