Former Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has rejected the Rivers State House of Assembly’s move to investigate government spending during his six-month emergency rule, describing the planned probe as a “fool’s errand.”
Ibas, who vacated office on September 17 following President Bola Tinubu’s directive reinstating Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the Assembly members, insisted that lawmakers lacked the authority to question his tenure.
The Rivers Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, had during its first sitting after emergency rule announced plans to scrutinize how state funds were spent between March and August 2025. Lawmakers resolved to examine withdrawals from the consolidated revenue fund, contracts awarded, and other expenditures during the administrator’s reign.
💰 Rivers Received Over ₦254bn in Six Months
Findings showed Rivers State received at least ₦254.37 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) between March and August, averaging ₦42.4bn monthly. More than half of these inflows—₦133.24bn—came from the 13% oil derivation, underscoring the state’s dependence on oil revenue.
During the same period, ₦26.31bn was deducted for debt servicing, while VAT inflows contributed another ₦107.78bn to state finances. Despite these allocations, Rivers has yet to publish its 2025 Budget Implementation Report, fueling concerns from civil society about transparency.
⚖️ CSOs Demand Accountability
Civil society groups in the state, led by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations and the Civil Liberties Organisation, have demanded a public inquiry into Ibas’ handling of funds. They argue that major projects, including the State Assembly Complex, remain stalled despite heavy inflows.
“We suspect corruption. Whoever spends public money without accounting for it will pay someday,” CSO leaders declared.
🗣️ Ibas Fires Back
Reacting through his media aide, Hector Igbikiowubu, Ibas said:
“The Assembly did not appoint the administrator. I was appointed by the President and supervised by the National Assembly. Any attempt to probe me amounts to probing the President and the National Assembly.”
He dismissed the Assembly’s move as a political distraction, insisting his administration acted strictly on behalf of the President.
🙏 Fubara Calls for Prayers as He Resumes
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara, who has returned to office after six months, urged Rivers people to remain steadfast in prayers. Speaking at a thanksgiving service in Opobo Town, he said prayers sustained him during the suspension and would continue to guide his administration as he recommits to peace, unity, and development.
