…As Senate affirms emergency rule is not a substitute for democracy, vows strict budget oversight
By peterside Rejoice Eneky
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has accused some state officials of concealing critical financial records necessary for capturing the state’s expenditures in the first quarter of 2025.
Ibas made the revelation on Thursday while defending the N1.4 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill before the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Oversight of Emergency Rule in Rivers State at the National Assembly, Abuja.
He described the budget as an “integrated framework” aligned with the state’s Development Plan (2017–2027), targeting revenue mobilisation, infrastructure expansion, human capital development, and inclusive economic growth. However, he admitted the proposal was not perfect due to time constraints and limited access to complete financial data.
“Some state officials withheld critical information required to ensure a more complete capture of expenditures undertaken in the first quarter at the time of submission of the budget estimates,” Ibas disclosed.
Despite this challenge, he assured lawmakers that the budget was “people-centered” and structured to address current developmental needs while anticipating future growth.
In response, Senate Leader and Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, reaffirmed that the emergency rule in Rivers State was not a replacement for democracy but a temporary intervention in line with constitutional provisions.
“Emergency rule is not a substitute for democratic government. It is an extraordinary measure designed to restore order, ensure peace, and safeguard the stability of Rivers State,” Bamidele said.
He clarified that the move was consistent with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and necessary due to the political crisis threatening governance and national security in the state.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had declared emergency rule in Rivers State following a prolonged political impasse. In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio inaugurated an 18-member oversight committee led by Bamidele to ensure transparency in the emergency administration of the state.
Other members of the committee include Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Tahir Munguno; Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Peter Nwebonyi; Senator Adamu Aliero; Senator Sani Musa; and Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, among others.
Bamidele emphasized that the Senate would maintain rigorous oversight throughout the duration of the emergency rule, tracking budget implementation project-by-project and sector-by-sector.
“Our mandate is to ensure that allocated resources translate into real development. We will monitor disbursements, project execution timelines, and delivery outcomes to guarantee transparency and accountability,” he said.
He added that the committee’s goal was to ensure that public funds bring tangible benefits to citizens and restore trust in democratic institutions.
“In times of political uncertainty and emergency governance, government actions must not only be lawful but people-centered. The real test of this budget is whether it delivers roads, healthcare, education, and security that the people can feel,” Bamidele concluded.
The committee is expected to submit periodic performance reviews and ensure strict adherence to budgetary provisions throughout the emergency period.
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