Rivers Assembly to probe state finances under sole administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas
The Rivers State House of Assembly has resolved to investigate the management and expenditure of the state’s finances during the six-month period when Vice-Admiral (retd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas served as the sole administrator. 0
The resolution to initiate the probe was passed at the assembly’s first plenary session following the end of the emergency rule. Lawmakers said the probe will examine financial decisions and contracts executed while the administrator oversaw the state. 1
During the sitting, members also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to transmit the list of commissioner nominees for screening, signalling the legislature’s move to promptly resume its oversight functions. 2
Background: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State in March and appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator to restore order amid a prolonged political stalemate. The emergency was lifted recently, paving the way for the House of Assembly and other suspended offices to resume. 3
The Assembly did not give a public timeline for the probe in its initial resolution, but observers say the investigation could cover procurement, payroll, capital projects and any emergency expenditures authorised during the caretaker administration. Parties implicated will likely be invited to provide documents and explanations as part of the oversight exercise.