Reps Committee Demands Rivers Govt Explain N24bn CCTV Budget, Gives 48-Hour Ultimatum
The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State has given the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), a 48-hour deadline to submit a detailed breakdown of key allocations in the proposed 2025 budget — particularly a controversial ₦24 billion earmarked for CCTV installation at the Government House.
The directive was issued during a budget defence session in Abuja, chaired by House Majority Leader and committee head, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo). Ihonvbere expressed concern over several allocations in the ₦1.48 trillion budget, including ₦30 billion for gunboats and ₦23 billion set aside as contingency funds.
He also criticized the absence of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), as required by law, and questioned the use of state resources for federal projects without formal refund agreements.
“We need additional details for those allocations,” Ihonvbere stated. “We request records of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from the past three months to assess it against the budget deficit. We also need clarity on transfers to local governments and how those funds are being utilised.”
He emphasized that all requested documents must be submitted within 48 hours, reiterating the committee’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the interest of the people of Rivers State. Ihonvbere also commended President Bola Tinubu for mediating and restoring peace between the state’s Executive and Legislature.
In response, Ibas — represented by Senior Special Assistant Andrew Nweke — said many of the budget items were inherited. He defended the gunboat budget as necessary for supporting security agencies and explained that the contingency fund was intended for emergency responses such as flooding.
On the ₦24 billion CCTV installation, Nweke stated, “The office of the Governor is that of honour,” justifying the need for advanced surveillance systems. He assured the committee that all required documents would be submitted as directed.
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