Senate Raises Eyebrows, Vows Iron-Grip Oversight On Rivers’ ₦1.48 Trillion Budget

The Nigerian Senate has pledged to rigorously monitor the ₦1.48 trillion budget proposal presented by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Chairman of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Emergency Governance in Rivers, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, assured Nigerians that the legislature is committed to ensuring that every naira earmarked in the 2025 Appropriation Bill delivers measurable benefits.

He emphasized that the committee will track the budget’s performance in the months ahead to guarantee transparency, timely execution, and optimal value for public funds.

“This isn’t merely a paper review exercise,” Bamidele said. “Our mandate is to ensure that every kobo is accounted for—project by project, sector by sector—so the people of Rivers State genuinely experience the impact of governance, especially during this critical period.”

He further noted that the Senate will evaluate not only fund disbursements but also timelines, delivery standards, and final outcomes. The ultimate goal, he said, is to ensure the 2025 budget results in better infrastructure, healthcare, education, security, and livelihoods for the citizens of Rivers.

In addition, the Senate Leader addressed misconceptions about the federal government’s emergency rule in Rivers State. He clarified that the action, declared by President Bola Tinubu, is not meant to undermine democracy but is a constitutional mechanism designed to restore stability.

“Let it be clear: emergency rule is not a substitute for democracy. It is a lawful, constitutionally supported step to re-establish peace and order when governance is endangered, as outlined in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution,” Bamidele explained.