The recent alarm raised by members of the House of Representatives over the N24 billion allocation for CCTV installation at the Rivers State Government House has intensified the scrutiny on the state’s budgetary priorities amid ongoing political and legal crises.
This allocation, seen by many as excessive, comes at a time when Rivers State is grappling with a suspension of federal fund releases due to constitutional disputes involving the state government and its legislature.
The controversy highlights concerns about transparency, fiscal responsibility, and governance in Rivers State.
The background to this issue is rooted in a protracted political crisis in Rivers State.
The Supreme Court had earlier stopped the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant General of the Federation from allocating funds to the Rivers State government until a valid appropriation law was passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
This followed a ruling that the 2024 budget presentation to a four-member assembly was unconstitutional, as it lacked quorum and legitimacy.
The court also ordered the reinstatement of 27 lawmakers who had been excluded, effectively declaring that there was no legitimate government in the state due to the absence of a functioning legislature.
In this context, the proposed N24 billion for CCTV installation at the Government House raises serious questions. Critics argue that such a large sum for surveillance equipment is not only disproportionate but also potentially a misuse of scarce public resources.
Given the ongoing legal battles and the suspension of federal allocations, the allocation appears ill-timed and insensitive to the pressing needs of the state’s citizens, who are affected by the political instability and its economic repercussions.
The House of Representatives’ concern reflects a broader demand for accountability and prudent governance in Rivers State.
The National Assembly has also set up an Ad-hoc Committee to oversee the administration of the state during the emergency rule declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This committee aims to ensure that governance remains constitutional and transparent, particularly in light of the emergency rule and the political turmoil that has paralyzed the state’s legislative functions.
Moreover, the controversy over the CCTV allocation is emblematic of the tensions between the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State.
The governor’s unilateral decisions, including the controversial budget presentation and the demolition of the Assembly building, have been criticized as breaches of the rule of law.
The Supreme Court’s rulings underscore the importance of adherence to constitutional processes and the separation of powers, which are currently under strain in the state.
The political and legal impasse has also affected local governance, with the Supreme Court nullifying the October 2024 local government elections in Rivers State due to non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
This has compounded the governance crisis, further limiting the state’s ability to function effectively and deliver services to its people.
In this light, the allocation of such a significant amount for CCTV installation appears disconnected from the urgent governance and development challenges facing the state.
In summary, the alarm raised by the House of Representatives over the N24 billion CCTV allocation for the Rivers Government House is a reflection of deeper governance issues in the state.
It calls attention to the need for fiscal prudence, respect for constitutional processes, and transparent governance, especially during a period of political instability and judicial intervention.
The controversy serves as a reminder that public resources must be managed with accountability and in the best interest of the citizens, not as tools for political maneuvering or executive excess.