The Rivers State Government has revealed that over ₦302 billion was spent during the tenure of Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator, amid ongoing legal scrutiny initiated by SERAP.
The disclosure was made before the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, where the state’s Accountant-General and Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning filed a counter-affidavit in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) suit marked PHC/4153/CS/2025. The case is being heard by Justice S.H. Aprioku.
Revenue and Spending Breakdown
According to the affidavit dated March 10, 2026:
The state received ₦253.48 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) between March and August 2025
Total inflows, including internally generated revenue and other sources, stood at ₦298.35 billion
However, records reviewed by SERAP indicate total expenditure exceeded ₦302 billion within the same period.
A breakdown of the spending shows:
₦112.41 billion on salaries, pensions, and overheads
₦163.44 billion allocated to ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), with over ₦106 billion disbursed in August 2025 alone
₦26.01 billion used for loan servicing
₦491.59 million spent on bank charges
Project Allocations Raise Questions
The documents, spanning 49 pages and marked Exhibits DTI and DT2, also revealed notable project allocations:
₦2.5 billion released for Government House quarters (with about ₦1.1 billion reportedly spent)
₦2.67 billion revised for office building repairs (₦404 million utilised)
₦350 million for canteen and kitchen equipment
Over ₦463 million spent on rehabilitation projects
A project initially budgeted at ₦800 million later increased to ₦1.56 billion
In a striking detail, the affidavit disclosed that although ₦28 billion was approved for the installation of CCTV cameras at Government House, no funds were spent on the project.
“No document evidencing such expenditure can be provided,” the state stated.
Legal Battle Over Transparency
The government maintained that it does not oppose SERAP’s right to access public records under the Freedom of Information Act, noting that it has now provided the requested documents.
However, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, said the organisation is still reviewing the records to determine whether full compliance has been achieved.
“Our teams are analysing the spending project-by-project,” Oluwadare said, adding that further legal steps may be taken if necessary.
Political Context
The spending period coincides with the emergency rule declared by Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, following a political crisis in Rivers State.
During the period:
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the State Assembly were suspended
Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed sole administrator
Although the emergency rule ended on September 17, 2025, the financial decisions taken during that period remain under scrutiny.
Lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly have since moved to investigate the expenditures, a move reportedly rejected by Ibas.
What’s Next
Justice Aprioku has adjourned the case to May 19, 2026, as the court considers whether SERAP is entitled to further disclosures under the Constitution and FOI Act.
The outcome could set a significant precedent for public accountability and transparency in emergency governance in Nigeria.
🚨BREAKING: Watch The Video Clip Here ➤
