The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Rivers has given the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), a 48-hour deadline to submit a detailed breakdown of major items in the proposed 2025 ₦1.48 trillion Appropriation Bill.
During a budget defence session held on Monday in Abuja, the committee chairman, Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo), raised concerns over the budget presentation and demanded further documentation.
Ihonvbere stated that the administrator must submit the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), a legal requirement that should precede any budget submission.
He questioned several allocations, including ₦24 billion for CCTV installation at the state government house, ₦30 billion for the purchase of gunboats, and ₦23 billion set aside for contingency reserves. He demanded itemised justifications for each.
The committee also raised issues over the use of state funds on federal government projects without formal agreements or refund arrangements.
“We need further details regarding those allocations. Additionally, we request information on the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) over the last three months to assess financial viability and compare it against the budget deficit,” Ihonvbere said.
He further demanded a report on how funds transferred to local governments are being managed.
“These documents must be submitted within 48 hours. We’re committed to reviving Rivers and safeguarding the interests of citizens across all areas of the state,” he added.
The lawmaker also praised President Bola Tinubu for helping restore peace between the suspended executive and legislature in the state.
Responding to the queries, Ibas, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Strategy and Policy, Andrew Nweke, said the administration inherited many of the budgetary items. He stressed that the budget reflected the priorities of Rivers people, shaped by a needs assessment carried out by relevant agencies.
Nweke explained that the ₦30 billion allocation for gunboats aimed to strengthen security efforts against threats on the state’s waterways, noting Rivers’ unique security challenges.