Some Govt Officials Withholding Information On 2024 Budget Implementation – Ibas

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has accused some government officials in the state of withholding vital information regarding the implementation of the 2024 budget under the suspended administration.

Addressing members of the House Special Committee overseeing the emergency rule in Rivers State, Ibas expressed concern over the lack of transparency and the poor availability of records necessary for the preparation of the 2025 budget.

He noted that the existing documentation on the 2024 budget and its performance raises serious concerns and falls short of what is required for a credible and effective fiscal plan for the coming year.

He defended the proposed One Point Four Eight trillion naira budget, which prioritizes infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and education assured lawmakers that the spending plan aligns with national directives and includes provisions to regularize past expenditures.

Chairman of the House Committee on Rivers State Oversight, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, commended the administrator for his detailed briefing and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to supporting the peace and development efforts in the state

Prof Ihonvbere said the committee will begin budget defense sessions in the coming weeks, as lawmakers continue to assess the proposal to ensure fiscal discipline, accountability, and effective implementation within the state’s emergency governance structure.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji