The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating the crisis in Rivers State has asked the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), to provide detailed explanations for several allocations in the 2025 budget, especially the N24 billion set aside for CCTV installation at the Government House.
This request came on Monday during a budget defence session in Abuja, where the committee, led by House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere, reviewed the N1.48 trillion appropriation bill presented by the state.
The lawmakers raised concerns about several figures in the document, describing them as unclear and calling for a full breakdown.
Aside from the CCTV project, the committee questioned the N30 billion earmarked for gunboats and N23 billion tagged as contingency reserves.
They also demanded a copy of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which is expected to guide the budget process, as well as details of Rivers State’s Internally Generated Revenue over the past three months.
The lawmakers insisted on a proper report showing how funds transferred to local government councils are being used.
They gave the Rivers administration a 48-hour deadline to submit all the requested documents.
The committee explained that the review is aimed at ensuring transparency and protecting the interests of Rivers people.
They also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s role in addressing the political conflict in the state.
Speaking for the state government, the Senior Special Assistant on Strategy and Policy, Andrew Nweke, said much of the budget plan was inherited from the previous administration.
He added that the allocations were based on assessments carried out by various government agencies to meet the needs of the people.
Nweke said the money for gunboats was to improve safety on waterways, and the contingency funds were meant to help the state respond to floods and other emergencies.
On the CCTV budget, he stated that the Governor’s office needs proper security using modern technology.
He assured the lawmakers that the requested documents would be made available to help the committee complete its review.
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