In a significant development for Rivers State’s governance structure, Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.) has announced that preparations are actively underway for the state’s 2025 budget, with special emphasis on critical sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure development, and employment generation.
The retired naval officer made this revelation yesterday while hosting members of the Rivers State National Assembly caucus led by Senator Barinada Mpigi at Government House, Port Harcourt, stating that following the Supreme Court’s recent decision on the state’s budget, his administration has accelerated efforts to craft a new appropriation bill reflecting government’s priorities.
“Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted decisively and determined to construct a fresh budget that demonstrates our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development,” Admiral Ibas informed the visiting legislators.
“We have worked meticulously to ensure the process remains transparent, inclusive, and crucially, expedited. Our objective is to prevent further delays in making essential investments that will enhance citizens’ quality of life,” the Administrator explained, highlighting that the budget currently being finalised focuses on employment creation and strategic investments in agriculture, infrastructure, and technology sectors.
The high-powered legislative delegation included prominent political figures such as Senator Allwell Onyesoh, House of Representatives Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, and several other federal lawmakers representing Rivers constituencies including Dumnamene Dekor, Solomon Bob, Cyril Godwin Hart, Blessing Amadi, Felix Nwaeke, Kelechi Nwogu, and Victor Obuzor.
Speaking on security matters, the Administrator emphasised that since assuming office, he has remained steadfast in restoring law and order across the state. “With valuable support from security agencies, we have established an environment where Rivers residents feel valued and considerably safer,” he stated, adding that his administration aims to transform Rivers into “a model of peace in the comity of states” with a stable economy where citizens can pursue their livelihoods without fear of harassment.
Admiral Ibas further revealed that beyond security considerations, his administration has prioritised community engagement as a fundamental component of its strategy. “Dialogue, reconciliation, and inclusivity have been essential to building trust among our people. We are determined to strengthen unity in Rivers State and foster an environment where every citizen feels valued, heard, and respected,” he declared.
Addressing the circumstances that led to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, Ibas indicated that his administration has employed dialogue, community engagement and reconciliation measures to rebuild trust among citizens, praising Rivers people for demonstrating “incredible resilience and patience” throughout the process of restoring peace and respect for law.
Responding on behalf of the federal lawmakers, Senator Mpigi commended the Sole Administrator for his efforts thus far and pledged their collective support for initiatives aimed at restoring stability and development across the oil-rich state.
The announcement comes amid ongoing political tensions in Rivers State following the emergency rule declaration that temporarily suspended normal democratic governance structures in the state.
