Rivers Admin Unveils 2025 Budget Revamp: Ends Tender Processes, Seeks Fresh Start (International Edition)

The sole administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retired), has stated that a new appropriation bill for 2025 is presently under development.

He stated that the budget would tackle key developmental issues in areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.

He went on to say that the budget would additionally emphasize generating more employment prospects for the residents of Rivers and enhancing the use of technology across vital areas of public service.

At the Government House in Port Harcourt, the administrator revealed this information during a gathering with members of the Rivers State caucus from the National Assembly on Thursday. The discussion was headed by Dr. Barinada Mpigi, who represents the Rivers South-East District in the Senate.

The group comprised Senator Allwell Onyesoh, who serves as the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, along with Kingsley Chinda, Dumnamene Dekor, Solomon Bob, Cyril Godwin Hart, Blessing Amadi, Felix Nwaeke, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, and Victor Obuzor.

Ibas stressed that upon taking office, he has consistently focused on reinstating law and order.

Security agencies have assisted in fostering conditions wherein inhabitants of Rivers feel respected and secure.

“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 strived tirelessly to make sure the procedure is clear, participatory, and swift. The aim is to avoid further delays in undertaking essential investments aimed at enhancing the well-being of our citizens," he noted.

He sought the backing of the federal legislators to fulfill his mission.

“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 encourage you to join forces with us in maintaining the course of advancement and lasting peace in Rivers State for the benefit of upcoming 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.

During his address, Senator Mpigi from the Rivers South-East District confirmed that the legislators of Rivers are dedicated to backing every effort focused on fostering progress within their state.

He praised the administrator for his small yet noteworthy accomplishments so far and assured them of legislative backing to reinstate law and order within the state.

As part of a connected progression, the Sole Administrator annulled all outstanding procurement and tender procedures carried out by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies within the state on Thursday.

Ibas stated that the cancellation was required after the Supreme Court's decision and due to the lack of an Appropriations Act during that time.

The announcement, detailed in an official statement from Government House, bore the signature of Professor Ibibia Worika, who serves as the Secretary to the Rivers State Government.

"Given the Supreme Court’s decision supporting the Appeals Court verdict in Case Number CA/ABJ/CV/133/2024, and considering there is currently no Appropriation Act in place, I want to inform the public that all procurement and bidding activities carried out by government agencies within this timeframe have been annulled," stated the notice.

It also instructed all MDAs implicated in the canceled tender processes to promptly return any tender fees to the contractors.

"Until the state approves the spending plan, which will be shared later, all ministries, departments, and agencies must return the tender fees to the contractors," the statement ended.

On Thursday, numerous women in Rivers State assembled to urge President Bola Tinubu to rescind the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected representatives from their positions within the state.

Beneath the slogan "Rivers Women Unite for Sim," representatives from all 23 local government areas came together during a regular prayer gathering focused on peace and advancement in Port Harcourt. Leading this collective effort was Sotonye Fulton.

The women maintained that there had been no instances of violence or turmoil within the state that would warrant declaring a state of emergency. They conveyed their wish for Governor Fubara to return to office, emphasizing that he was democratically chosen by the citizens.

Gloria Akor-Okocha, who works as an administrative manager at the Port Harcourt Water Corporation, stated, "We are hoping for restoration and that Nigeria will find the truth. We pray that God instills honesty in the nation and reinstates our governor."

Akor-Okocha went on to say, "The governor was elected, and nobody possesses the constitutional authority to oust him under the pretense of a state of emergency. There were neither bombings nor conflicts; people are carrying out their daily activities peacefully. Therefore, what justifies this imposition of an emergency?"

She stressed that the women remained undeterred and were committed to supporting their governor. "Once women unite and voice our concerns, Siminalayi Fubara will become the governor of Rivers State," she asserted.

The President of Ijaw Women Connect, Dr. Vivian Elenwo, expressed comparable views, stating, "Under Governor Fubara, Rivers State remains tranquil. The youth are off the streets. It’s evident that the women here are dedicating their time to prayer for peace."

Elenwo added, "The state of emergency has restricted our liberty. Mothers feel fear, fathers are going into hiding, and children remain unsure. We seek peace and the reinstatement of our governor to the gubernatorial mansion."

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