Rivers Sole Administrator Ibas Appears Before Senate Panel to Defend 2025 Budget

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has appeared before a joint Senate committee to defend the state’s proposed 2025 budget estimated at ₦1.48 trillion.

Ibas was invited alongside key state officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General, to provide details of the budget and justify its provisions. The budget defence session was held before the Joint National Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee on Emergency Rule in Rivers State.

Senate Leader and Chairman of the committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, stated that the National Assembly remains committed to ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of state resources, especially under the current emergency rule.

The committee was established following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara earlier this year. Its mandate is to provide oversight during the interim administration and ensure the budget serves the interests of Rivers people.

Bamidele emphasized that the National Assembly will not compromise democratic principles or fiscal discipline, even in the face of political instability.

Ibas is expected to return for further sessions as the committee continues its detailed review of the budget provisions.