The immediate past Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has dismissed the Rivers State House of Assembly’s decision to probe government spending during the six-month emergency rule, describing the move as “a fool’s errand.”
Ibas, who ceased to be administrator on September 17 following the end of the emergency rule, argued that the lawmakers lacked the authority to investigate him since his appointment came directly from President Bola Tinubu and his activities were supervised by the National Assembly.
Speaking through his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubu, Ibas said:
“Were they the ones that appointed the administrator? If you didn’t appoint the administrator, you have certain limitations. When you probe the administrator, you’re invariably probing the President and the National Assembly, who gave the mandate. So, good luck with their plan, but such an exercise is nothing but a fool’s errand.”
The Assembly, presided over by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, had at its first plenary after resumption vowed to investigate the state’s expenditure between March and September 2025. Lawmakers resolved to review withdrawals from the consolidated revenue fund, contracts awarded, and other financial activities during the emergency rule.
Investigations revealed that Rivers received at least ₦254.37bn from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) between March and August, averaging about ₦42.4bn monthly. Of this, oil derivation accounted for over ₦133bn (52.4%), while VAT brought in ₦107.78bn (42.4%). However, the state also lost ₦26.31bn to debt servicing during the period.
Despite the huge inflows, Rivers has yet to publish its 2025 Budget Implementation Report, fueling concerns from civil society organisations about transparency and accountability.
Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Rivers State, Enefaa Georgewill, insisted that the absence of clear records only heightens suspicion of mismanagement:
“Almost all major projects, including the Assembly Complex, remain stalled despite heavy inflows. We are calling on Governor Fubara to set up a panel of inquiry. We suspect corruption and demand accountability.”
Emma Obe, spokesperson for the Civil Liberties Organisation in Rivers, added that the emergency government operated outside constitutional prescriptions and must account for all funds received.
Meanwhile, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who resumed office last week, has urged Rivers people to sustain prayers and peace efforts as his administration embarks on a fresh phase of governance. Speaking during a thanksgiving service in Opobo on Sunday, Fubara said:
“Our being here is simply to thank God. We cannot thank Him enough for His mercies. Peace is the foundation for unity and development, and I rededicate myself to the service of Rivers people.”
With the Assembly insisting on a probe and Ibas rejecting any scrutiny, Rivers State appears set for a new round of political confrontation, even as civil society groups intensify calls for transparency over the billions received during the emergency rule.
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