Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to urgently investigate the former Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), over the alleged mismanagement of ₦283.3 billion allocated to the state during his six-month tenure.
In a petition addressed to the ICPC Chairman, Adeyanju alleged that Ibas failed to deliver any tangible development projects during his time in office, despite receiving massive funds meant for the state.
“Earlier today, we petitioned ICPC to investigate former Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), over the ₦283.3 billion he received in six months with virtually nothing to show for it,” Adeyanju stated.
He claimed that apart from a cosmetic renovation of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, there was no visible infrastructure development, no financial records made public, and no clear explanation of how the funds were spent.
“This is a clear case that demands urgent investigation and accountability. The people of Rivers State deserve to know how their money was spent,” he added.
Vice Admiral Ibas was appointed Sole Administrator during a politically tense period following the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. His appointment was widely viewed as a stop-gap measure to stabilise governance in the state amid internal party conflicts.
However, Adeyanju and other critics argue that the absence of transparency under Ibas raises serious red flags. Civil society groups are now urging anti-corruption agencies to ensure proper auditing and disclosure.
As of press time, the ICPC has not issued an official response to the petition.
