From Mercy Peter
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has been asked to investigate the financial activities of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.), who served as Sole Administrator of Rivers State between March 18 and September 17, 2025.
The request was made in a petition to the Commission by a Public interest litigation firm Deji Adeyanju & Partners.
In the petition, which was officially received by the ICPC on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the firm accused the former Sole Administrator of failing to account for a total of N283.3 billion received by the state during his six-month tenure.
The petitioner cited figures from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.
The amount included:
• N36.6 billion in withheld local government allocations for January and February 2025.
• N246.7 billion as state and local government allocations between March and June 2025.
The petitioners also alleged that despite these inflows, Rivers’ people witnessed little to no tangible projects. “Apart from the “cosmetic renovation and painting” of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, they argued, there were no visible developmental strides to justify such expenditure.
The firm further faulted the administration’s failure to publish the mandatory budget performance report for the second quarter of 2025, describing it as a red flag.
Adding to the controversy are recent statements credited to Ibas’ media aide, Hector Igbikiowubu, suggesting that the former Sole Administrator was not answerable to the Rivers State House of Assembly regarding his financial stewardship. He reportedly argued that, having been appointed by the President and “supervised by the National Assembly,” Ibas was only accountable to those institutions.
In its petition, Deji Adeyanju & Partners demanded that ICPC:
1. Probe the financial expenditure of Vice Admiral Ibas during his tenure.
2. Ascertain how the N283.3 billion in state and local government allocations was utilized.
3. Investigate possible acts of misappropriation, diversion, or abuse of office, and take appropriate action if wrongdoing is established.
“Despite these massive inflows, there is little to no evidence of projects or tangible development. We trust in the Commission’s mandate and urge you to give this petition urgent attention,” the petition read.
The ICPC, which has acknowledged receipt of the petition, is yet to make an official statement on whether a formal investigation will be launched.
The development adds to growing public scrutiny of Rivers State’s finances in recent months, as stakeholders call for greater transparency and accountability in the management of state resources.
