Tinubu sends ₦1.48trn Rivers budget to NASS amidst emergency rule
Nigerian President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill for Rivers State to the National Assembly for consideration, in light of the suspension of the state’s House of Assembly.
The proposed budget totals ₦1.481 trillion and prioritizes vital sectors to foster development.
In a letter addressed to Senate President Senator Goodwill Akpabio, Tinubu outlined that infrastructure receives the largest allocation of ₦324 billion, while the health sector is allotted ₦106 billion—this includes ₦5 billion specifically for free malaria drugs. The budget also directs ₦75.6 billion towards education and proposes ₦31.4 billion for agricultural initiatives. The focus of this budget is on strategic investments intended to create around 6,000 new jobs.
The president has requested that the Senate expedite the consideration of this bill, which has since been referred to the Ad-hoc Committee on Emergency Rule for review and prompt reporting.
Additionally, Tinubu has communicated with the House of Representatives regarding the approval of the Rivers State budget, emphasizing that the Supreme Court had invalidated the 2025 budget initially proposed by the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Following escalating political tensions between Governor Fubara and members of the House of Assembly who support Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025. This announcement included the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all assembly members for six months. To oversee the state’s administration during this period, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the administrator.
The president justified his decision by referring to Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, stating he could not stand by while the political climate in Rivers deteriorated. However, his actions have drawn criticism from civil society groups, leading to protests both for and against the emergency rule. Despite the turmoil, the appointed administrator continues to oversee Rivers State’s administrative operations.
Source: Channels TV
