Former Rivers Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas Visits Presidential Villa Amid Accountability Demands

Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, former sole administrator of Rivers State, visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, amid mounting calls for him to account for his stewardship during the six-month emergency rule in the state.

Ibas arrived at the Villa around 5:50 p.m., dressed in brown traditional attire and carrying several documents. His visit coincided with the presence of key officials, including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede.

The timing of the visit has drawn public attention, as it follows the conclusion of the emergency administration in Rivers State, which ended on September 17 when President Bola Tinubu reinstated Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly.

Growing Demands for Transparency

In the wake of Ibas’s exit, the Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule, announced plans to probe financial activities carried out under his interim leadership.

Legal and civil society voices have also intensified calls for accountability. On September 18, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ebun Adegboruwa urged President Tinubu and the National Assembly to publish a report detailing Ibas's activities during the emergency rule. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Adegboruwa emphasized that Rivers, as one of Nigeria’s wealthiest states, deserves full transparency regarding the management of its resources.

Adding to the chorus, Niger Delta activist Ann-Kio Briggs insisted that Rivers residents have the right to know the terms of the agreement that preceded the end of emergency rule. She cautioned that Governor Fubara risks losing public trust if full disclosure is not made.

Similarly, Jake Epelle, CEO of TAF Africa, echoed the demand for Ibas to publicly account for state funds expended during his tenure as administrator.

As scrutiny continues to build, Ibas’s recent appearance at the Presidential Villa is seen by many as a pivotal moment in the ongoing push for accountability in Rivers State.