The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating the political crisis in Rivers State has raised concerns over a staggering ₦24 billion budgeted for CCTV installation at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
During the 2025 budget defence session held on Monday in Abuja, the committee, chaired by Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo), demanded a detailed breakdown of the controversial allocation within 48 hours.
“We’ve reviewed the budget proposal, and there are serious concerns,” Ihonvbere, who is also the House Majority Leader, said.
He specifically demanded justification for the N24 billion CCTV project, N30 billion earmarked for the purchase of gunboats, and N23 billion proposed as contingency reserves.
He also directed the submission of the state’s Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which by law should precede any budget presentation.
Ihonvbere further questioned allocations to federal government projects without clear reimbursement agreements, and called for transparency on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) within the last three months.
“We need to compare your financial inflow with the projected deficit. In addition, we expect details on transfers to local governments, especially how those funds are currently managed.
“All the documents we requested must reach us within 48 hours. Be assured, our goal is to make Rivers work again. We want accountability, and we must protect the interests of the people—no matter how remote their communities are”, he said.
The lawmaker also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in the political standoff between the state’s suspended Executive and Legislature.
Responding, the Sole Administrator, Ibas, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Strategy and Policy, Mr. Andrew Nweke, said the administration inherited much of the budget structure.
According to him, the proposal was based on a needs assessment conducted by implementing agencies and was designed to reflect the priorities of the Rivers people.
On the CCTV allocation, Nweke said: “The Office of the Governor is one of honour and strategic importance. It deserves modern surveillance and security technology.”
He explained that the N30 billion for gunboats was intended to support security agencies combating crime in the state’s waterways, while the N23 billion contingency fund would be used to tackle recurrent issues such as flooding and other emergencies.
He assured the committee that all requested documents would be submitted to facilitate the legislative process.
(DailyTrust)
