The immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, and the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, were both spotted at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, raising speculations about an ongoing investigation or debriefing.
Sources at the State House revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had summoned Ibas, though the purpose of the meeting was not immediately made public.
According to a report by Channels Television, Ibas arrived at the Villa around 5:50 pm and was seen heading into the inner chambers. Shortly after, the EFCC chairman was also sighted, further fuelling discussions about a possible probe or review of Ibas’s time in office.
Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as sole administrator of Rivers State in March 2025, during a major political crisis in the state that led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The suspension, which lasted six months, was part of a federal intervention to stabilise governance in the oil-rich state.
Ibas, a retired naval chief, ran the state during this period under the direct supervision of the Presidency. However, last week, President Tinubu lifted the suspension on Governor Fubara, who has now returned to office.
Following the transition, the Rivers State House of Assembly announced plans to probe Ibas’s six-month administration, including contracts awarded, financial decisions made, and administrative actions taken during his short but powerful tenure.
While there has been no official statement from the Presidency, EFCC, or the State House as of the time of this report, the simultaneous presence of Ibas and EFCC Chairman Olukoyede has sparked public interest.
The EFCC, under Olukoyede, has in recent months ramped up its activities, especially concerning state-level financial management and political officeholders.
The visit to Aso Rock comes amid renewed tension in Rivers State politics. Governor Fubara’s return to power is being closely watched, especially regarding how he will handle pending issues from Ibas’s administration.
With the House of Assembly planning a probe, the outcome of any federal-level findings could influence local investigations or possible legal action.
As of now, neither Ibas nor the EFCC chairman has spoken to the press about the purpose of the Villa meeting. State House officials also declined to comment when approached by journalists.
However, a top government source hinted that “further clarity may emerge in the coming days,” especially as the Rivers Assembly begins its probe into the former administrator’s tenure.
For now, Nigerians await official explanations as questions swirl around what transpired behind closed doors in Aso Rock.
