Senate Announces Rivers State Budget Defence Before Joint Committee

The Senate has revealed that the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, along with other key officials, will defend the state’s ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget before the Joint National Assembly Ad-hoc Committee on Emergency Rule in Rivers State.

Background

The announcement was made by Senate Leader and Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, during the committee’s inaugural meeting at the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday. This development follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State on March 18, which led to the constitution of an 18-member committee to provide legislative oversight.

Committee’s Mandate

Bamidele emphasized the committee’s commitment to ensuring financial propriety and good governance in Rivers State, stating, “The National Assembly is determined to work closely with members of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee to Oversee Emergency Rule in Rivers State.” He assured that the committee will guarantee democratic rule continues to function in the state despite the emergency declaration.

Budget Defence Process

The committee has developed a work plan and timetable to guide the budget defence process, which will involve key officials, including :
-Accountant-General of Rivers State
– Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance
– Other relevant economic officials

Bamidele pledged that the National Assembly will ensure transparency and accountability in its oversight functions, adding, “We will also ensure that governance does not suffer in Rivers State during the period of emergency rule.”