Pius Nsabe
In a dramatic development that further intensifies scrutiny over governance in Rivers State, the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating the political crisis in the state has raised alarm over a staggering ₦24 billion earmarked for CCTV installation at the Government House in Port Harcourt. This revelation emerged during the 2025 budget defence session held in Abuja, where the committee, chaired by Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo), issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding a comprehensive breakdown of the budgetary provision.
The ₦1.48 trillion Appropriation Bill, presented by the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has since become the centre of nationwide attention, not only due to the questionable CCTV allocation but also because it is unfolding amid a backdrop of a deepening political crisis in Rivers State.
This feature delves into the implications of this financial controversy, examining the context, political dynamics, public reactions, and calls for accountability that surround this explosive issue.
Background: A State in Crisis
Rivers State has, in recent months, been marred by political instability, stemming largely from a power tussle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The crisis, which began shortly after Fubara’s assumption of office in May 2023, led to intense factionalism within the state government, legal battles, violent protests, and legislative deadlock.
To restore calm, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened in late 2023, brokering a controversial peace deal between Fubara and Wike. Despite this, underlying tensions persisted, culminating in the resignation of key officials, defection of lawmakers, and a cloud of uncertainty over the state’s governance. This would later give rise to a State of Emergency declared on Rivers State on March 18, 2025, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu and the state assembly members. This led to the appointment of Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator.
It was within this context of political volatility that the ₦1.48 trillion budget was presented — a budget now being dissected not just for its figures, but for the intentions it represents.
A Startling Allocation: ₦24 Billion for CCTV?
One of the most talked-about provisions in the budget is the allocation of ₦24 billion for the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt. The figure raised eyebrows among lawmakers and civil society organisations.
During the budget defence session at the National Assembly, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, visibly alarmed, demanded that the state provide a “detailed breakdown” of how the CCTV project would cost such a hefty amount.
“We need specifics. What exactly is being installed? Are these military-grade surveillance systems or space satellite trackers? ₦24 billion for CCTV at one location is not just excessive — it is shocking,” Ihonvbere stated.
The committee also highlighted several other “questionable provisions” in the budget, noting inconsistencies and vague descriptions for key expenditures. But the CCTV allocation stood out, becoming a lightning rod for accusations of fiscal recklessness, especially given the socio-economic needs of the state.
Reactions from the Public and Civil Society
The news of the ₦24 billion CCTV allocation has provoked strong reactions across Nigeria, especially among Rivers residents and anti-corruption advocates.
The Civil Society Coalition for Accountability and Good Governance (CSAGG) issued a press statement calling the allocation “a slap in the face of transparency,” urging anti-graft agencies to wade into the matter.
“Rivers State is facing issues of unemployment, poor road networks, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and yet ₦24 billion is being allocated for CCTV at one building? This is absurd and unacceptable,” said the group’s spokesperson, Hauwa Ibrahim.
Social media platforms have also been flooded with criticism. Hashtags like #RiversCCTVScandal and #24billionForWhat trended on X (formerly Twitter), with many Nigerians expressing disbelief.
One post that went viral read:
“₦24bn can fund over 20 state-of-the-art hospitals or 100 schools. But it’s going to the cameras?”
In reaction to a Facebook post on the issue, Lawyer and Journalist, Barnabas Sonayon Hunjo, wondered if the CCTV could capture a ghost to warrant such a whopping amount budgeted, “ E go see spirit?”. A lawyer, Barrister Anthony Adie, wrote, “You must come from another planet to be shocked by what Nigerian politicians can do with public money.”
Even political commentators have weighed in. Political analyst, Jide Olatunji, said on Channels TV:
“This raises serious questions about budgetary priorities. Are we witnessing fiscal planning or political laundering disguised as security?”
What Does ₦24 Billion Really Buy?
To place the CCTV allocation in perspective, experts have attempted to estimate what ₦24 billion could realistically achieve. According to security technology consultants, the cost of high-grade CCTV systems, even for large-scale installations, rarely exceeds ₦1–2 billion for government facilities, including monitoring centers, software, and installation.
Dr. Anietie Ekong, a Port Harcourt-based ICT specialist, noted: “Even with inflation and exchange rate fluctuations, ₦24 billion is astronomically high. For context, you could install world-class security systems in every local government area in Rivers State with less than ₦10 billion.”
Ekong suggested that the budget line could either be padded or hiding other expenses under the guise of security — a common practice in Nigerian public budgeting, where opaque security votes are often exploited.
State Government’s Response
A Senior Special Assistant to Rivers State Sole Administrator on Strategy and Policy, Mr. Andrew Nweke, speaking on the CCTV allocation said: “The Office of the Governor is one of honour and strategic importance. It deserves modern surveillance and security technology.”
Another government source said, “The allocation covers more than just CCTV cameras. It includes advanced perimeter detection systems, anti-drone technology, reinforced digital monitoring hubs, and a 5-year service and maintenance plan. Insecurity in Rivers State is real, and Government House is a priority target,” the aide claimed.
Still, many argue that the explanation, if accurate, must be properly itemized in the budget to prevent suspicion. Transparency advocates insist that no matter the justification, public funds must be accounted for to the last naira.
The Bigger Picture: Budgets and Power Struggles
The timing of the budget and its controversial items have led some observers to see political motives behind the spending. Moreover, the Sole Administrator status of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), who presented the budget, also complicates matters. Critics argue that such a major budget ought to be scrutinized more rigorously, especially in the absence of full legislative oversight at the state level.
What Happens Next?
With the House of Representatives issuing a 48-hour ultimatum for the budget breakdown, the onus is now on the Rivers State Government to respond credibly. Failure to do so could lead to further legislative summons, public hearings, or even criminal investigations.
Rep. Ihonvbere has warned: “We will not tolerate financial recklessness under the pretense of security. Public funds are sacred and must be protected.”
The committee is also reportedly compiling other “suspicious” budget allocations for investigation, signalling that the CCTV controversy may just be the tip of the iceberg.
Meanwhile, anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) have been urged by rights groups to independently assess the budgetary provisions and audit Rivers State’s financial books.
Conclusion: Transparency or Turmoil?
The controversy over the ₦24 billion CCTV allocation is a potent reminder of the urgent need for transparency in public financial management. While security is a legitimate concern, it must not become a smokescreen for extravagant or corrupt spending.
As Rivers State continues to grapple with political instability, the people deserve clarity and accountability, not just from their leaders, but also from those tasked with oversight at the federal level.
Whether this incident leads to genuine reform or is swept under the carpet remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Nigerian public is watching — and demanding answers.
