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The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has announced plans for a new budget for 2025 aimed at addressing key development issues in the state.
As Ibas begins his work, a group of Nigerian activists based in the United States has revealed its intention to protest at the White House against the emergency rule declared in Rivers.
Ibas stated that the new budget is set to generate more job opportunities for the people of Rivers and enhance the use of technology in vital areas of public service.
Suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara had submitted the 2025 budget to a three-member House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo as Speaker.
However, following a Supreme Court ruling that required Fubara to present the budget to the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly, attempts to do so were obstructed by opposing lawmakers.
The Sole Administrator hinted at the new budget during a meeting with a delegation from the Rivers caucus at the National Assembly, which was led by Sen Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers South-East), at Government House in Port Harcourt, on Thursday.
Sources indicate that National Assembly members loyal to Fubara, such as Boma Goodhead, Allison Anderson, and Ipalibo Banigo, were not invited to the meeting.
Delegates included Sen Allwell Onyesoh, Kingsley Chinda, Dumnamene Dekor, Solomon Bob, Cyril Hart, Blessing Amadi, Felix Nwaeke, Kelechi Nwogu, and Victor Obuzor.
Ibas remarked: “In response to the Supreme Court's decision regarding the state’s budget, we have promptly moved to compile a new budget that underscores our dedication to healthcare, education, social services, and ongoing infrastructure development.
“We are working diligently to ensure the process is transparent, inclusive, and prioritized. Our aim is to avoid any further delays in making the necessary investments to enhance the lives of our citizens.”
The coalition, under the Democratic Movement (DM), is demanding the reversal of the emergency rule enforced on Rivers by President Bola Tinubu, the reinstatement of Fubara, and the restoration of the State House of Assembly.
In a statement from President Cosmos Achief, the coalition emphasized that the protest aims to garner global attention to what they describe as a “direct assault on democracy and the will of the people.”
He stated: “We cannot remain idle while an elected governor is ousted, a whole legislature is suspended, and an unelected administrator is appointed. These actions set alarming precedents that jeopardize Nigeria’s democracy.”
The coalition announced that the protest is set to occur in Washington, D.C., with demonstrators planning to march to the White House and the U.S. Department of State to present petitions calling for international intervention.
