Ibas Spent N302bn In 6 Months, Rivers Govt Tells Court

The Rivers State government has revealed in court that the administration of former sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), spent more than N302 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and other sources between March and August 2025.

The state revealed this information in its counter-affidavit filed by the Accountant-General and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) lawsuit brought by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

SERAP had filed the FOI suit, marked PHC/4153/CS/2025, before the High Court of Rivers State in Port Harcourt, demanding details on the spending during the six-month emergency rule in the state.

The case, which is currently pending before Justice Sika Aprioku, has been adjourned to May 19.

In the counter-affidavit filed on March 10, 2026, it was averred that Rivers received FAAC allocations totalling N253,480,052,907.33, along with other receipts of N44,868,976,368.32, making the total inflow approximately N298,349,029,275.65.

Supporting documents—DT1 (bank statements) and DT2 (capital pages of Government House estimates)—show expenditures exceeding ₦302,352,458,523.07.

The counter-affidavit states, “Our records indicate that N28 billion was approved for CCTV installation at the State House; however, no expenses were incurred for the project, so that no supporting documents can be provided.

“The Defendants/Respondents do not oppose SERAP’s right to access information under the Freedom of Information Act and have no intention of withholding the requested documents.

“The Defendants/Respondents have compiled and provided the requested information as required by the Act, with copies attached as Exhibit DTI (bank statements) and Exhibit DT2 (Government House estimates’ capital pages).

“By supplying the requested documents, the Defendants/Respondents have largely fulfilled SERAP’s request.

“While acknowledging the importance of transparency and accountability, the Defendants/Respondents argue that the delay in providing the information did not cause any specific or proven harm to SERAP.”

SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, said the group is scrutinising the 49-page exhibit project by project to verify full compliance.

“Our preliminary review shows significant transfers and concentrated spending, but we will determine if further requests or amendments are needed,” he stated.

The government affirmed compliance with the FOI Act, noting that there was no intent to withhold information and that the delays caused no proven harm to SERAP.

The suit invokes Sections 13, 15(5), 16(2), and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Sections 1(1), 2(3)(d)(v), 2(4), and 4(a) of the FOI Act 2011.