The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP has issued 7-day ultimatum Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) to explain how his government spent the over N254.37 billion received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee during the six months tenure in office as Rivers State Sole Administrator.
SERAP notification which published on its social media handles, said the allocation was between March and August 2025, including the N22bn allegedly budgeted for Close Circuit Television, CCTV in the State House.
The Freedom of Information, FOI request would serve legitimate public interests, according to the non partisan Organization, is in line with the right of access to official information such as the spending by the past Rivers State Administrator would enhance transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
It said, “The Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee to everyone the right to information, including about how Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) spent the FAAC allocations and other allocations received during the period of emergency rule in the state.
“The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.
“Rivers State cannot hide under the excuse of emergency rule to refuse to provide the details being sought”, according to SERAP.
Earlier, the Rivers Assembly led by Martins Ameawhule, insisted that the sole Administrator, Ibas must come and explain how N254b was spent in the State.
In the meantime, the reinstated Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi
Fubara was at the Presidential Villa on Monday to meet President Bola Tinubu.
