TINUBU SUBMITS N1.48trn 2025 RIVERS BUDGET TO NASS FOR APPROVAL

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By Oduola F.A.

President Bola Tinubu has officially submitted the 2025 Rivers State Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly for approval, following the suspension of the state’s House of Assembly.

In a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu proposed a ₦1.481 trillion budget, prioritizing infrastructure and health. Infrastructure is set to receive ₦324 billion, while the health sector is allocated ₦106 billion — including ₦5 billion specifically for free malaria treatment.

The Senate has referred the bill to its Ad-hoc Committee on Emergency Rule, with instructions to review the proposal and report back to the chamber as soon as possible.

Tinubu also wrote to the House Representatives for the Rivers State budget approval, reminding the House that the Supreme Court had nullified the 2025 budget presented by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Emergency rule
After months of political squabbles between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly members who are loyal to the Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state on March 18, 2025.

In a nationwide broadcast proclaiming the state of emergency, the President also announced the suspension of Governor Fubara; his deputy Ngozi Odu; and all the members of the House of Assembly for six months.

The president nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state for the first six months.

Tinubu hinged his decision on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, saying he can’t continue to watch the political situation in Rivers escalate without taking any action.

The suspension of elected officials has been widely condemned by civil society groups and activists who have also continued to call for their reinstatement.

There have also been protest for and against the emergency rule by the people of Rivers State, especially women since its declaration.

However, the appointed administrator has remained in office and currently overseeing administrative affairs of the oil-rich state.