House Committee Demands Accountability from Rivers State Sole Administrator Over Controversial Budget Items

House Committee Demands Accountability from Rivers State Sole Administrator Over Controversial Budget Items

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Oversight of Rivers State, chaired by House Leader Rt. Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, CON, has launched a formal inquiry into the Rivers State Government’s ₦1.48 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill. 

Following a budget defense session today at the National Assembly, the Committee expressed serious concerns over several significant expenditure items.

The Committee, citing a need for transparency and accountability, highlighted specific areas requiring clarification:

*₦24 Billion for CCTV Systems at Government House:** The Committee questioned the necessity of allocating ₦24 billion for the installation of CCTV systems at the Rivers State Government House, demanding a detailed breakdown of the costs and justification for such a substantial expenditure.

*₦30 Billion for Gunboat Procurement:**  The allocation of ₦30 billion for the procurement of gunboats also drew sharp criticism. The Committee requested a comprehensive explanation of the procurement process, the number of gunboats to be acquired, and how this aligns with existing security strategies.

*₦23 Billion Contingency Fund:** The Committee expressed deep concern over a ₦23 billion contingency provision lacking detailed justification.  The Committee demanded a full breakdown of potential contingencies, a risk assessment, and evidence demonstrating the necessity of such a large unallocated sum.

*Projects Under Federal Jurisdiction:**  The Committee challenged the Rivers State Government’s funding of projects constitutionally under the purview of the Federal Government,  specifically demanding evidence of prior agreement or expectation of reimbursement from the Federal Government.

In response to these concerns, the Committee issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Rivers State Government to provide the following documentation:

1. **Detailed Breakdown and Justification:** A comprehensive breakdown and justification for each of the highlighted expenditure items (CCTV, gunboats, contingency fund).

2. **Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF):**  A copy of the MTEF, a legally required document that should precede any budget presentation.

3. **Financial Records (January-June 2025):** Detailed records of monthly Federal Allocations and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from January to June 2025, with particular emphasis on IGR over the past three months to assess fiscal flows and capacity.

4. **Local Government Fund Management:** Full disclosure on the management of Local Government funds, including details of the legal and administrative frameworks in place.

5. **Local Government Transfers:** Documentary evidence of all financial transfers made to each of the 23 Local Government Areas.

6. **Airforce Base Agreement Documentation:** All records related to the Airforce Base Agreement referenced during the budget presentation.

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Responding on behalf of the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), Mr. Andrew Nweke, Special Adviser on Strategy and Policy, argued that many budget items were inherited and based on needs assessments. He offered explanations for the contested items:  the gunboats were for combating insecurity on waterways; the contingency fund was for emergencies like flooding; and the CCTV system was for improved security at the Governor’s office. He assured the Committee that all requested documents would be provided.

**Background:** The House of Representatives ratified a State of Emergency in Rivers State on March 20, 2025, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration on March 18, 2025.

This action, incorporating Sections 11(4) and (5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), granted the National Assembly the authority to assume the legislative functions of the State House of Assembly to restore governance.

Rt. Hon. Ihonvbere commended President Tinubu for his role in restoring calm between the executive and legislative branches in Rivers State. 

The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability, protecting democratic institutions, and safeguarding the interests of the Rivers State people during this period of emergency governance.