Ibas rejects Rivers Assembly’s move to probe six-month spending

The immediate past Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has dismissed the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to investigate his six-month stewardship, describing the move as a “fool’s errand.”

Ibas, who ceased to be administrator on September 17 following the expiration of emergency rule in the state, according to Punch argued that the lawmakers lacked the authority to probe him since he was appointed by President Bola Tinubu and supervised by the National Assembly.

The Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, had resolved at its first sitting after the emergency to examine spending from the consolidated revenue fund and contracts awarded under Ibas’ administration.

Findings show Rivers State received at least N254.37bn in FAAC allocations between March and August 2025, with oil derivation accounting for over 52% of the inflows. Debt servicing deductions totaled N26.31bn, while VAT revenues contributed about 42% of net allocations. Despite this, the state has not published its 2025 Budget Implementation Report, raising transparency concerns.

Civil Society Organisations, led by Enefaa Georgewill and Emma Obe, insist the administrator must account for the billions received, noting that major projects, including the Assembly Complex, remain stalled. They argue the emergency administration was unconstitutional and lacked transparency.

Reacting through his media aide, Hector Igbikiowubu, Ibas said:

“If you didn’t appoint the administrator, it goes to reason that you have certain limitations. When you probe the administrator, you’re invariably probing the President and the National Assembly.”

Meanwhile, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who resumed office last week, urged Rivers people to remain prayerful and committed to peace as his administration begins a fresh chapter.

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