Deji Adeyanju Petitions ICPC Over N283.3Billion Received During 6-Month Tenure Of Ex-Rivers Sole Administrator Ibas

A public interest law firm led by human rights lawyer, Barrister Deji Adeyanju, has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), demanding an urgent investigation into the financial activities of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd), the former Sole Administrator of Rivers State.

In the petition, signed by Adeyanju and addressed to the ICPC Chairman, the firm said its request was in line with its commitment to accountability and the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

“We are a public interest litigation law firm, committed to the advancement of human rights, accountability in government, and the fight against corruption in Nigeria,” the petition read.

“It is in furtherance of this mission and in the interest of justice that we respectfully write to formally petition the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) to urgently investigate the financial activities of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd), the former Sole Administrator of Rivers State, during his tenure between March 18 and September 17, 2025.”

Citing data from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the firm noted that Rivers State received a total of N283.3 billion under Ibas’ control, excluding Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

According to the breakdown, the figure included N36.6 billion in local government allocations for January and February 2025, which had been previously withheld, and N246.7 billion in combined state and local government allocations between March and June 2025.

Despite these inflows, Adeyanju’s firm alleged that there was “little to no evidence of projects or tangible development” during the six-month period.

“This figure comprised N36.6 billion as local government allocations for January and February 2025, which had earlier been withheld, and N246.7 billion as state and local government allocations between March and June 2025.

“Despite these massive inflows, there is little to no evidence of projects or tangible development carried out by his administration,” the petition stated.

“Aside from the cosmetic renovation and painting of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, the people of Rivers State have seen no tangible projects or developmental strides to justify the expenditure of such colossal sums.”

The law firm further accused Ibas of failing to release the mandatory budget performance reports for the second quarter of 2025, in violation of transparency requirements.

It also faulted comments credited to Ibas’ media aide, Hector Igbikiowubu, suggesting that the former Sole Administrator was not answerable to the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“Disturbingly, the administration under Ibas failed to publish the mandatory budget performance reports for the second quarter of 2025,” it said.

“Equally troubling are recent statements credited to him (through his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubu), dismissing the authority of the Rivers State House of Assembly to probe his financial conduct.”

“He insists that because he was appointed by the President and “supervised by the National Assembly,” he was only answerable to the President and the National Assembly,” the petition added.

The law firm urged the ICPC to investigate Ibas’ tenure, ascertain how the N283.3 billion was spent, and determine whether any misappropriation or abuse of office had occurred.

It stated, “It is in light of the foregoing that we respectfully demand that the ICPC: Probe the financial expenditure of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd) during his tenure as Sole Administrator of Rivers State.

“Ascertain how the total amount of N283.3 billion was applied, including state and local government allocations.

“Investigate whether any acts of misappropriation, diversion, or abuse of office occurred during this period, and if there were indeed any such acts, hold him accountable.

“We trust in the Commission’s mandate and commitment to combating corruption and safeguarding public resources, and we respectfully urge you to give this petition urgent attention.”

Ibas was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025 as Sole Administrator of Rivers State, following a declaration of a state of emergency in the state due to a political crisis that had engulfed the state and stalled the operations of its House of Assembly.

His appointment, which lasted six months, sparked controversy over its constitutionality and the concentration of executive powers in an unelected administrator. (SaharaReporters)