Rivers State 2025 Budget Anticipates Fubara’s Return, Says Sole Administrator Ibas

The proposed N1.48 trillion 2025 budget for Rivers State has been formulated with the anticipation of the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other affected officials, according to the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd). Ibas made this statement on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, amidst ongoing political tensions and an emergency rule declared in the state.

Addressing the public on the budget details, Ibas also lamented alleged sabotage by state officials who are accused of concealing records of the 2024 spending. The budget presentation underscores the complex political situation in Rivers State, where the state House of Assembly remains under a “state of emergency” as declared by President Bola Tinubu.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently confirmed the recall process of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a female lawmaker from Rivers State who had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, further complicating the political landscape. Calls from various quarters, including the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), have urged President Tinubu to end the emergency rule and reinstate Governor Fubara ahead of Democracy Day on June 12.

The budget’s structure, as presented by the Sole Administrator, aims to ensure continuity of governance and development in Rivers State, even as political reconciliation efforts continue behind the scenes.