Ibas made this known when he hosted a delegation from the Rivers State caucus at the National Assembly, led by Dr. Barinada Mpigi, the Senator representing Rivers South-East District, at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

A few weeks after his unpopular appointment as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas has announced that an appropriation bill for 2025 is being articulated. 

He stated that once finalised, the bill will address critical development concerns, including healthcare delivery, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Ibas made this known when he hosted a delegation from the Rivers State caucus at the National Assembly, led by Dr. Barinada Mpigi, the Senator representing Rivers South-East District, at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

According to him, the planned budget will also focus on creating employment opportunities for the people of Rivers State and advancing the adoption of technology in key public sectors.

"Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly and decided to put together a comprehensive plan for infrastructural development," he said.

“We have worked diligently to ensure that the process is transparent, inclusive, and, most importantly, expedited. Our goal is to ensure that we do not lose any more time in making the necessary investments that will improve the lives of our citizens.”

He added, “The budget, which is being finalised, prioritises job creation and investment in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology. We understand the urgency of this initiative and are committed to ensuring its swift implementation.”

Ibas also sought the support of the visiting lawmakers in securing the necessary resources and legislative backing to bring his administration's initiatives to fruition.

“Your partnership is critical to ensuring that Rivers State remains on the path of progress and enduring peace for future generations,” he emphasised.

Addressing the challenges that led to the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, Ibas noted that dialogue, community engagement, and reconciliation efforts have been deployed to rebuild trust among citizens.

Meanwhile, his appointment and the suspension of democratic governance in Rivers State continue to draw criticism. Protests have already been planned by the Take-It-Back movement, while the Niger Delta Congress has separately announced its own protest action. 

SaharaReporters earlier reported that Ibas would manage over N400 billion state funds within six months while over N14 billion would be received monthly on the least as local government allocation.