By Deborah Nnamdi
The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, has announced that an appropriation bill for 2025 is being formulated to address key development priorities in healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
He further stated that the proposed budget would focus on creating additional employment opportunities for the people of Rivers and advancing the integration of technology into vital aspects of public life.
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas made this disclosure during a meeting with the Rivers State caucus delegation at the National Assembly, led by Dr. Barinada Mpigi, the Senator representing the Rivers South-East District, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
He also emphasized that since assuming office, he has remained committed to restoring law and order and, with the support of security agencies, has fostered an environment where residents of Rivers feel safer and more valued.
The Administrator stated that the commitment is to make Rivers a model of peace in the comity of States, with a stable economy and citizens courageous to pursue their livelihood without fear or molestation.
“In addition to our peace-building efforts, we are also focused on the economic stability and development of Rivers State. Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly and decided to put together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development.
“We have worked diligently to ensure that the process is transparent, inclusive, and, most importantly, expedited. Our goal is to ensure that we do not lose any more time in making the necessary investments that will improve the lives of citizens.
“The budget which is been finalized focuses on creating job opportunities and investing in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology. We understand the urgency of this initiative, and we are committed to ensuring that they are implemented without delay.”
The Administrator noted that to get the task done, the support of the legislators will be required as key representatives of Rivers State in the National Assembly.
He sued for their assistance in securing the necessary resources and legislative backing that would bring the initiative of his administration to fruition.
Ibas explained that in the face of the challenges that beset Rivers, which led to the State of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, dialogue, community engagement, and reconciliation were deplored to build trust among the citizenry.
He said: “Beyond security, we have prioritized community engagements as a central part of our strategy. Dialogue, reconciliation, and inclusivity have been key to building trust among our people.
“We are determined to strengthen the bond of unity in Rivers State and to foster an environment where every citizen feels valued, heard, and respected. Together, we are making strides in ensuring that peace becomes a permanent feature of our state.”
In his speech, Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East District, said they are dedicated representatives of Rivers people at the National Assembly and resolved to support all efforts that will bring development to the State.
While commending the administrator for the modest successes he had achieved so far, Senator Mpigi pledged the support and cooperation of the legislators to ensure the return of the state to the path of law and order.
