Rivers Budget Controversy: Fubara Proposed ₦1.1trn, Ibas Pushed ₦1.8trn Approved by NASS – Tariah

Former media aide to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Opunabo Inkor-Tariah, has raised alarm over alleged financial discrepancies in Rivers State under the six-month emergency rule, which is scheduled to expire on September 18, 2025.

In an interview reported by Vanguard on Wednesday, Inkor-Tariah insisted that Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) must provide a full account of how state funds were managed during the period.

He revealed that while Governor Siminalayi Fubara had initially presented a budget of about ₦1.1 trillion, Admiral Ibas submitted a revised budget of nearly ₦1.8 trillion to the National Assembly—an increase of over ₦600 billion—which was swiftly approved.

“Governor Fubara’s original budget was about ₦1.1 trillion, but Admiral Ibas presented a revised budget of nearly ₦1.8 trillion to the National Assembly, which was approved for spending during the emergency,” he stated.

According to Inkor-Tariah, Rivers generates more than ₦20 billion monthly from internally generated revenue (IGR), yet there has been little visible development on the ground to justify such massive spending. He argued that Rivers people deserve transparency and accountability in how public funds are utilized.

He further criticized the sidelining of Governor Fubara, describing him as a “ceremonial governor” with limited influence under the emergency arrangement.

“The Assembly will come back, the local government chairmen are Wike’s men, while commissioners will come from Fubara. So, Fubara will come and remain like that,” he warned, suggesting that the governor’s power may remain curtailed even after the emergency ends.

Inkor-Tariah dismissed Admiral Ibas’ claims of restoring peace, saying ordinary citizens, including youth corps members, insist that insecurity and hardship have worsened since Fubara’s suspension.

He described the emergency rule as a political tactic rather than a genuine response to insecurity, arguing that it was designed to weaken Fubara and consolidate control for entrenched political interests.

The former aide also maintained that political influence in Rivers is still firmly controlled by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who dominates both PDP and APC structures in the state. This, he noted, makes the 2027 elections a decisive moment for Rivers politics.

Beyond Rivers, Inkor-Tariah said dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration is deepening nationwide. He warned that if grievances are not addressed, there could be a push for a united opposition front to challenge the ruling party in the 2027 general elections.