The immediate past Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), and the Rivers State House of Assembly appear headed for a potential showdown following the legislature’s decision to probe state expenditures during the six-month emergency rule. Ibas’ tenure ended on September 17, 2025, after President Bola Tinubu directed the reinstatement of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the House.
Presided over by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, the House, in its first plenary post-emergency rule, resolved to investigate spending from the consolidated revenue fund, particularly focusing on contracts and other expenditures under Ibas. Data reviewed by The PUNCH indicate that Rivers State received at least N254.37 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) between March and August 2025, averaging N42.4 billion per month, with significant reliance on the 13 per cent derivation from oil revenue. Despite these inflows, major projects, including the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, remain stalled, prompting concerns over financial management.
Civil society organisations in Rivers State have intensified calls for accountability. Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, Enefaa Georgewill, described the appointment of the sole administrator as illegal and questioned the handling of public funds. Similarly, Emma Obe, spokesperson for the Civil Liberties Organisation, argued that the emergency government failed to follow constitutional processes, highlighting that the 2025 budget was passed without public hearings, denying citizens oversight. Both leaders urged Governor Fubara to establish a panel to investigate federal allocations, internally generated revenue, and expenditures during Ibas’ tenure.
Reacting to the Assembly’s planned probe, Ibas, through his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubu, contended that the lawmakers lacked the authority to investigate him, noting that he was appointed by the President and supervised by the National Assembly. Igbikiowubu described the Assembly’s attempt as a “fool’s errand,” asserting that probing the administrator would amount to probing both the President and the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who resumed duties following the expiration of the emergency rule, appealed to the church and citizens to continue steadfast prayers as he recommences governance. Speaking at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Opobo Town, Fubara expressed gratitude for community intercessions during his suspension, likening prayers to “deposits in a bank whose dividends manifest in due season.” He called for peace, unity, and continued support for his administration as it charts a renewed course of leadership in Rivers State.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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