Immediate-past deputy governor of Rivers State and Senator representing Rivers West senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, was conspicuously absent alongside other federal Lawmakers, when members of the Rivers State caucus in the National Assembly visited the State’s Sole Administrator, Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Other lawmakers who were absent included the member representing Opobo/Nkoro/Andoni federal constituency, Hon. Awaji Inombek Abiante; member representing Okrika/Ogu-Bolo Federal Constituency, Hon. Allison Anderson, and member representing Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency, Hon. Boma Goodhead.
Addressing the Rivers State Caucus at Government House, Port Harcourt, the sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd), said the State’s Appropriation Bill for 2025 was being articulated to provide for critical development concerns in healthcare delivery, education, agriculture and infrastructure.
He also said that the anticipated budget will cater to creating more employment opportunities for Rivers people and advance delivery of technology in critical facets of public life.
The sole administrator stated that he has been resolute, since assumption of office, to restore law and order, and with support from the security agencies, in order to create a condusive environment where Rivers residents feel valued and safer.
Ibas further stated that the commitment was to make Rivers a model of peace in the comity of States, with a stable economy and citizens courageous to pursue their livelihood without fear or molestation.
He said: “In addition to our peace building efforts, we are also focused on the economic stability and development of Rivers State.
“Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly and decided to put together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development.
“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 citizens.
“The budget which is been finalized focuses on creating job opportunities and investing in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology. We understand the urgency of this initiative, and we are committed to ensuring that they are implemented without delay,” he stated.
Ibas noted that to get the task done, the support of the legislators will be required as key representatives of Rivers State in the National Assembly.
He sued for their assistance in securing the necessary resources and legislative backing that would bring the initiative of his administration to fruition.
The sole administrator said: “Your partnership is critical to success in ensuring that Rivers State remains on the path of progress and enduring peace for future generations.”
He explained that in the face of the challenges that beset Rivers State, which led to the State of Emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, dialogue, community engagement and reconciliation were deplored to build trust among the citizenry.
Ibas noted that the people of Rivers State have shown incredible resilience and patience in the efforts taken so far to restore the State back to the path of peace and respect for the law.
In his speech, Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East District, said they were dedicated representatives of Rivers people at the National Assembly and resolved to support all efforts that will bring development to the State.
While commending the sole administrator for the modest successes he had achieved so far, Senator Mpigi pledged the support and cooperation of the federal legislators to ensure the return of the state on the path of law and order.
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