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Fubara Signs N800bn 2024 Appropriation Bill Into Law …Assures Of Delivering Trans-Kalabari, Elele-Omoku Roads …Promises Responsive, Inclusive Governance
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has signed into law the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N800billion.
This is coming a day after he presented the budget estimates to the State House of Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie.
The signing ceremony was held yesterday in the conference room of the Governor’s Office at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
Fubara explained that with the budget providing a framework for spending in 2024, his administration will undertake notable critical road projects that will connect more communities across several local governments to meet age long yearnings of Rivers people.
He stated, “This budget shows that we have a plan for our dear State. One of the reasons why our budget is in the volume of N800bn is that we intend, not just by desiring, to ensure that one key request of our dear State is met.
“God being our helper, we will commence immediately, by next year, flagging off the actual and main Trans-Kalabari road project phase 2.
“We have also, in our budget, provided to take care of the Elele-Omoku road project; a road that cuts through Ikwerre, Emohua, and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Areas.
“We are also taking that project as one of our cardinal achievements of this administration. We are not going back on it.”
The governor assured that no efforts will be spared in implementing to the full the planned out quality projects and services itemised in the 2024 appropriation.
He stressed that the budget will be driven in a manner that will make a positive impact on the lives of all residents in Rivers State because they will see and feel development at their doorsteps.
“I want to assure you that this administration has the best interest of our people. It is an administration that wants everyone to have hope.
“We have keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President, Bola Tinubu, to continue to assure our people of hope. The best of us will be seen by everyone.
“We will continue to protect the interest of our people, do the best for everyone, not minding your position or class.
“Our government is responsive and inclusive. Our eyes and ears are open to the needs of our people. We will not disappoint you”, he said.
Fubara commended the legislature for their support of his administration and assured that God who has continued to make a way out of the challenges will continue to embolden them.
In presenting the budget to Governor Fubara for ascent, the leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Adolphus Orubienimigha, said members gave due diligence in deliberating on each item, giving careful consideration to pass the appropriation bill and urged the governor to remain resolute in discharging the duties of his office.
In his speech, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, noted that the budget figures and items as articulated were in line with current realities and demonstrated the resolve of Governor Fubara to provide more infrastructure and strengthen sectors like education, health, and the economy to deliver optimal services including youth empowerment.
Ehie assured that the legislature will continue to stand with Governor Fubara, by
providing the required support that will secure success for the administration.
A breakdown of the 2024 budget shows that the total projected revenue for the State for the 2024 Fiscal Year is N800, 392,485,433.01 billion.
Out of this, the highest amount of N410,266,485,090.64, representing about 51 per cent of the total budget projections, is for Capital Expenditure, while the sum of N361,598,242,570.85 , representing 49 percent of the budget, is for Recurrent Expenditure.
The capital allocation of the N410,266,485,090.64 Capital Expenditure shows that Governance will gulp N161,742,835,256.27; Information & Communication will take N2,234,273,168.00; Public Administration will have N13,852,493,641.59; and the sum of N7,779,818,293.13 will be for Finance and Planning.
Others include: Agriculture (N20,311,574,254.53); Infrastructure (N128,003,540,952.66); Commerce and Investment (N1,787,418,534,40); Culture and Tourism (N1,381,187.049.31); and Education (N40,426,441,994.74).
There are also Health (N30,555.506,748.20); Social Development (N10,155,787,127.27); Environment & Sustainable Development (N8,449,614,889.89); and Judiciary (N5,646,617,642.76).
The breakdown of the Recurrent Expenditure shows that the highest amount of N99, 588,939,939.39 is earmarked for Personnel Emolument, followed by Gratuities/Death Benefits, which has (N77,850,000,000.00), and Domestic loans interest, with (N32,420,734,367.60).
Others are: Monthly pensions (N30,240,000,000.00); New Recruitments (N28, 924,562,980.61); Domestic Loan, Principal Repayment (N26,018,966,086.70); Overhead costs (N18, 871,623,339.00); Counterpart Pension Scheme (N15,000,000,000.00); FAAC Deductions (N12,865,723,913.00); Grants, contributions & subsidies (N7,908,000,000.00); Foreign loan, principal repayment (N5,081,731,374.51); COT/Charges/General Admin (N5,000,000,000.00); and Foreign loan interest (N536,709,798.04).
By: Boye Salau
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.