Former Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has rejected plans by the Rivers State House of Assembly to investigate how funds were spent during his six-month tenure.
Ibas, who left office on September 17 after the end of emergency rule, said lawmakers lacked the power to probe him because they did not appoint him. He argued that his appointment and supervision came directly from President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly.
Speaking through his media aide, Hector Igbikiowubu, Ibas described the planned probe as pointless.
“When you say they were going to probe the tenure of the administrator, was it the Assembly that appointed the administrator?” Igbikiowubu asked.
He added, “When you realise that the administrator was appointed by the President and supervised by the National Assembly, it goes without reason that probing the administrator means probing the President and the National Assembly. Such an enterprise amounts to a fool’s errand.”
The Rivers Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, had earlier resolved to investigate how the state’s resources were managed during the emergency period. Rivers reportedly received about N254.37 billion from March to August 2025 through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
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Civil society groups in Rivers have also demanded answers. Enefaa Georgewill, Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, said the public deserves to know how the huge funds were used.
“We suspect corruption. Almost all major projects are stalled. The governor must set up a panel of inquiry, and financial agencies must question how the funds were expended,” he said.
Similarly, Emma Obe of the Civil Liberties Organisation insisted that the state must give a proper account of the money.
“It is not enough to stay six months in government and walk away without telling Rivers people what came in and how it was spent. Whoever spends public money without accountability will pay for it, if not today, sometime to come,” he said.
Meanwhile, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who has resumed duty after the suspension of emergency rule, urged residents to remain prayerful and united.
At a thanksgiving service in Opobo, he said, “Our being here is to thank God for what He has done and what He will continue to do for me, my family, this state, and Nigeria. Peace is very important, and I rededicate myself to serving Rivers people.”
The face-off between Ibas and the Assembly sets the stage for fresh political tension as Rivers moves past months of crisis and emergency rule.