The Senate has approved the second reading of a ₦1.481 trillion Appropriation Bill for Rivers State, which is currently under emergency rule. The bill, aimed at authorizing spending from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund, has been forwarded to the Senate Committee on Emergency Rule. The committee, led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), is expected to carry out further legislative scrutiny and present a report within two weeks. President Bola Tinubu, in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urged the Senate to approve the budget, citing the emergency rule imposed in March 2025. The state’s previous budget was voided by the Supreme Court following the breakdown of governance in Rivers State. The president explained that the proposed appropriation is designed to support key sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and programs for youth and women empowerment under the Emergency Rule Government. Leading the debate, Senator Bamidele explained, “This Bill seeks to authorize the issuance of ₦1.481 trillion for the year ending December 31, 2025. Rivers State is under Emergency Rule, and in line with Regulation 4(2)(f) of the Emergency Rule Regulations 2025, National Assembly approval is required for all expenditures.” Highlights of the proposed budget include: Infrastructure: Over ₦324 billion for road projects and public transportation upgrades, Agriculture: ₦32 billion to promote youth involvement in farming, Education: ₦75.6 billion to enhance learning environments and access to free basic education, Healthcare: ₦166.5 billion (14.4% of the budget) for completing zonal and general hospitals, Youth Empowerment: ₦6.2 billion for digital resource centers and sports development and Women Affairs: ₦5.2 billion to support social inclusion initiatives. Senator Opeyemi Bamidele stated that the proposed budget aims to stabilize Rivers State, restore essential public services, and create around 6,000 jobs. The funding will be sourced from FAAC allocations, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), VAT, mineral funds, statutory allocations, and federal reimbursements. The emergency rule in Rivers State was triggered by a political crisis stemming from a power tussle between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s faction. The conflict resulted in legislative gridlock, the destruction of government assets, and the impeachment of the State Assembly Speaker. Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Federal Government declared a state of emergency, suspended the state legislature, and transferred legislative authority to the National Assembly. The Senate is expected to conclude consideration and pass the budget after receiving the committee’s report in two weeks.