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The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.), has announced that a new appropriation bill for 2025 is currently being developed.
The budget, he said, will address critical development concerns in healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Ibas further stated that the budget would also focus on creating more job opportunities for the people of Rivers and advancing the application of technology in key sectors of public life.
The administrator made the announcement at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday during a meeting with the Rivers State caucus at the National Assembly, led by the senator representing Rivers South-East District,Dr. Barinada Mpigi.
The delegation included Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, Dumnamene Dekor, Solomon Bob, Cyril Godwin Hart, Blessing Amadi, Felix Nwaeke, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, and Victor Obuzor.
Ibas emphasised that since assuming office, he has been committed to restoring law and order.
With the support of security agencies, efforts have been made to create an environment where Rivers residents feel valued and safe.
“The commitment is to make Rivers a model of peace among the comity of states, with a stable economy where citizens can pursue their livelihoods without fear or molestation,” he stated.
Ibas continued, “In addition to our peace-building efforts, we are also focusing on the economic stability and development of Rivers State. Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have swiftly moved to develop a new budget that reflects our dedication to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development.”
“We have worked diligently to ensure that the process is transparent, inclusive, and expedited. Our goal is to ensure that we do not lose any more time in making the necessary investments to improve the lives of our citizens,” he added.
He solicited the support of the federal lawmakers to achieve his mandate.
“I will need the support of our legislators as key representatives of Rivers State in the National Assembly to ensure that we secure the necessary resources and legislative backing for the success of these initiatives,” Ibas remarked.
“I urge you to partner with us in ensuring that Rivers State remains on the path of progress and enduring peace for future generations.”
In addressing the challenges faced by Rivers, which led to the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, Ibas underscored the importance of dialogue, community engagement, and reconciliation in building trust among the people.
“The people of Rivers State have shown incredible resilience and patience in our efforts to restore the state to the path of peace and respect for the law,” Ibas said, assuring that his administration remains committed to achieving lasting peace.
“Beyond security, community engagement is central to our strategy. Dialogue, reconciliation, and inclusivity have been key to building trust. We are determined to strengthen the unity in Rivers State and foster an environment where every citizen feels valued, heard, and respected,” he added.
In his speech, Senator Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East District, affirmed the commitment of Rivers lawmakers to support all initiatives aimed at bringing development to the state.
He commended the administrator for his modest achievements thus far and pledged the legislators’ support to restore law and order in the state.
In a related development, the Sole Administrator, on Thursday, cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes conducted by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the state.
Ibas explained that the cancellation was necessary following the Supreme Court’s ruling and the absence of an Appropriation Law during the period.
The announcement, made in a special Government House statement, was signed by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika.
“Following the Supreme Court judgment upholding the Appeal Court ruling in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024, and in the absence of an Appropriation Law, I wish to notify the general public that all procurement and tender processes conducted by MDAs during this period are hereby cancelled,” the statement read.
It further directed all MDAs involved in the cancelled tender processes to immediately refund any tender fees to the contractors.
“Pending the approval of a spending plan by the state, which will be communicated in due course, all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are hereby mandated to refund such tender fees to the contractors,” the announcement concluded.
Meanwhile, hundreds of women in Rivers State gathered on Thursday to call on President Bola Tinubu to revoke the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials of the state.
Under the banner of “Rivers Women Unite for Sim,” the women, representing all 23 local government areas, made their appeal during a weekly prayer session for peace and progress in Port Harcourt. The group was led by Sotonye Fulton.
The women insisted there was no violence or unrest in the state to justify the declaration of a state of emergency. They expressed a desire for Governor Fubara to resume his duties, as he was duly elected by the people.
Gloria Akor-Okocha, an administrative manager with the Port Harcourt Water Corporation, said, “We are praying for restoration and that Nigeria will come to the truth. We are praying that God will install truth in the country and restore our governor.”
Akor-Okocha continued, “The governor was voted in, and no individual has the constitutional right to remove him under the guise of a state of emergency. There was no bombing, no fighting—people are going about their peaceful business. So, what is the reason for this emergency rule?”
She emphasised that the women would not be intimidated and would continue to stand by their governor. “When women rise up and speak, Siminalayi Fubara will be the governor of Rivers State,” she declared.
President of Ijaw Women Connect,Dr. Vivian Elenwo, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Rivers State, with Governor Fubara, is peaceful. Our youths are not on the streets. You can see the women are praying for peace.”
Elenwo added, “The state of emergency has limited our freedom. Mothers are afraid, fathers are hiding, and children are uncertain. We are asking for peace and for the return of our governor to the government house.”
