Rivers Assembly Seeks Probe of Former Sole Administrator’s Finances
The reinstated Rivers State House of Assembly has called for an investigation into the financial activities of the former Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.), covering the six months he managed the state’s affairs.
The demand was made during the Assembly’s first plenary sitting since the expiration of the emergency rule imposed on the state by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, following months of political unrest.
The motion, sponsored by nine lawmakers—including House Leader Hon. Major Jack, Deputy Leader Hon. Linda Somiari Stewart, Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma), and Hon. Granville Wellington (Asari-Toru)—was read before Speaker Martin Amaewhule. Other sponsors included Hon. Justina Emeji (Emohua), Hon. Barile Nwakoh (Khana), Hon. Igwe Obey Aforji (Eleme), Hon. Enemi Alabo George (Asari-Toru II), and Hon. Tonye Adoki Smart (Port Harcourt II).
Presenting the motion, Hon. Jack stressed that with the emergency rule officially ending at midnight on Thursday, democratic institutions had been fully restored in the state. He noted that the peace accord which ended the crisis must be protected, and highlighted some of the gains achieved during the emergency rule, including the successful conduct of local government elections on August 30 that produced 23 chairmen and councillors.
He emphasized that the State Executive Council must now be properly constituted in line with constitutional requirements and the terms of the peace agreement. He also urged collaboration with Governor Siminalayi Fubara to prepare a financial plan and budget that reflect the aspirations of the people, pointing out that neither the Governor nor the House had input in the budget implemented under emergency rule.
The lawmakers further raised concerns over contract awards and expenditures made from the Consolidated Revenue Fund during the administrator’s tenure, insisting on a transparent review of those transactions.
The motion resolved to:
Commend President Tinubu for restoring democracy in Rivers State.
Reaffirm commitment to the peace agreement and the Nigerian Constitution in the interest of peace and good governance.
Urge Governor Fubara to submit commissioner-nominees for the State Executive Council.
Call on the Governor to present a supplementary budget to address the realities of the current year.
Investigate contracts awarded and funds spent during the last six months of emergency rule.
Develop a legislative agenda for the remaining part of the 10th Assembly’s third session.
