Senators say 85% of Rivers’ 2025 budget originated under Fubara’s leadership before emergency rule.
New ₦50bn supplementary budget targets pension arrears and improved citizen welfare.
NewsKobo.com Earlier Reported That the Nigerian Senate Vowed to Monitor Rivers State’s ₦1.48 Trillion Budget.
The Nigerian Senate has confirmed that the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, was responsible for crafting approximately 85 per cent of the state’s 2025 budget, which totals ₦1.48 trillion. This revelation comes amid the ongoing emergency governance in the state.
Chairman of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Emergency Governance in Rivers State, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed this during a budget defense session held at the National Assembly on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The committee engaged with the state’s sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), and other top officials, including the state’s accountant general and Directors of Finance, Budget, and Planning.
Bamidele revealed that a comprehensive review of the budget had been carried out over the last three weeks, with findings confirming that the bulk of the financial plan was developed and submitted before Fubara’s suspension. Only 15 per cent of the budget has been revised or augmented by the current administration under Ibas.
Supplementary budget to clear pension arrears
As part of efforts to restore administrative order and tackle pressing issues, the Sole Administrator proposed a ₦50 billion supplementary budget. The additional funding is expected to clear outstanding pension and gratuity debts owed to retired civil servants in the state.
Senator Bamidele described the supplementary proposal as a significant measure in addressing critical welfare concerns and rebuilding public trust under the emergency government structure. “Governance is not just about constructing roads or bridges; it includes ensuring the well-being of the people, especially those who served the state and are now in retirement,” he noted.
The committee commended the decision, saying it reflects a shift toward inclusive governance and responsiveness to social obligations.
Capital projects dominate budget allocation
Bamidele also highlighted that more than 70 per cent of the total ₦1.48 trillion budget is earmarked for capital expenditure. He praised the structure of the budget, calling it a development-focused template that other states could emulate.
“The capital-intensive nature of this budget is commendable. It shows a clear intention to invest in infrastructure, economic growth, and public services that can have a long-term impact on the state’s prosperity,” Bamidele said.
He further assured Nigerians that the Senate will intensify its oversight responsibilities to ensure full implementation of the budget under the current emergency rule. The goal, he said, is to guarantee transparency, accountability, and tangible outcomes for Rivers State citizens during this transitional period.
Political context and legislative oversight
The Senate’s disclosure comes against the backdrop of a turbulent political crisis in Rivers State that led to Governor Fubara’s suspension and the subsequent appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas as sole administrator. Despite the change in leadership, many top civil servants in critical ministries have remained in their roles to ensure administrative continuity.
Senator Bamidele acknowledged this institutional stability, stating it has made it easier for the committee to assess the budget objectively and confirm its origin and content. “The officials we engaged with confirmed that this budget was developed largely under the previous administration, and we have no reason to dispute that,” he explained.
As the Senate moves forward with oversight and support, the emphasis is now on steady governance, citizen welfare, and efficient use of public resources.
