The Senate has announced that the Sole Administrator of Rivers, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, along with other key officials, will defend the state?s 2025 budget before the joint Ad-hoc Committee of the National Assembly overseeing the emergency rule in the state.

This was disclosed by Senate Leader and Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Opeyemi Bamidele, during the committee?s inaugural meeting held on Tuesday at the National Assembly, Abuja.

Following the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, the Senate constituted an 18-member committee led by Bamidele to provide legislative oversight during the period.

Bamidele assured, ?The National Assembly is determined to work closely with members of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee to Oversee Emergency Rule in Rivers State to ensure financial propriety and good governance.

?It is our understanding with our colleagues in the House of Representatives that the sole administrator and other relevant functionaries of the state will all appear before the joint ad-hoc committee of both chambers of the National Assembly when it is time for them to defend the 2025 budget,? he added.

Bamidele emphasised the importance of the committee?s mandate, saying: ?This inaugural meeting is a necessary ritual to enable the committee carry out its assignment.

?The committee will guarantee that democratic rule continues to function in Rivers State despite the declaration of emergency rule.?

He reaffirmed the Senate?s dedication to constitutional principles, adding, ?The Senate is committed to the rule of law as well as the tenets of democracy.

?I am also confident in the pedigree of the members of this ad-hoc committee to deliver on the role of overseeing the activities of the sole administrator of Rivers State.?

He urged members of the committee to be meticulous in their oversight duties to ensure accountability and transparency.

Bamidele further noted, ?The 2025 budget of the Rivers State Government has been presented to the National Assembly by the Sole Administrator through the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The budget is being referred to our committee.?

He explained that the committee has developed a work plan and timetable to guide the budget defence process, which will also involve the Accountant-General of Rivers State, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, and other key officials responsible for the state?s economy.

?As much as possible, the National Assembly will ensure propriety in the discharge of our oversight functions.

?We will also ensure that governance does not suffer in Rivers State during the period of emergency rule,? Bamidele said. (Daily Sun)

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