In a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Bola Tinubu submitted a proposed budget of ₦1.481 trillion, with significant funding directed toward revitalizing major sectors of the economy.
The budget prioritizes infrastructure, with a proposed allocation of ₦324 billion. The health sector is to receive ₦106 billion, including ₦5 billion set aside specifically for free malaria medication. Education is expected to get ₦75.6 billion, while ₦31.4 billion is earmarked for the development of agriculture.
According to the proposal, the budget aims to stimulate growth through targeted investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture, with a projection to create around 6,000 new jobs.
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President Tinubu requested that the Senate give the proposal urgent attention. The Senate has since referred the bill to its Ad-hoc Committee on Emergency Rule, which will evaluate the document and report back promptly.
Tinubu also sent a letter to the House of Representatives, requesting approval of the Rivers State budget. He reminded lawmakers that the Supreme Court had invalidated the 2025 budget earlier presented by the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Following months of political unrest involving Governor Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025. During a national address, Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers for six months.
Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) was appointed as interim administrator to oversee the state’s affairs for the duration. President Tinubu cited Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution as the basis for his action, stating that he could not ignore the escalating political crisis in the state.
The suspension of elected officials has drawn strong criticism from civil society organizations and rights advocates, who continue to demand their reinstatement. Rivers State has witnessed ongoing demonstrations both in support of and against the emergency rule, especially involving women-led groups.
Despite the controversy, the appointed administrator remains in charge, handling the governance of the resource-rich state.
