The Independent Commission for Corruption and Other Related Offences has verified the receipt of a petition calling for an investigation into the management of federal funds allocated to Rivers State under the leadership of the state's former Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired).
The request, submitted by civil rights advocate and attorney, Deji Adeyanju, was made several days following Ibas' conclusion of his state leadership on September 18.
In an interview with The PUNCH on Thursday in Abuja, Demola Bakare, the ICPC's media representative, stated that the petition had been received and sent to the commission's legal team for examination.
"Yes, we have received the petition and will review its validity. There is a procedure in place. It is received at the registry, then the chairman gets it, and he sends it for a legal assessment," he stated.
Adeyanju submitted a petition on September 23, 2025, titled "Petition for the examination of the financial spending of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retired), former Chief Administrator of Rivers State."
The advocate called on the ICPC to immediately look into Ibas's financial dealings while he was in power from March 18 to September 17, 2025.
Referencing official figures from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Adeyanju stated that Rivers State, under Ibas's leadership, was allocated a total of N283.3bn, excluding funds generated internally.
He stated that the amount included N36.6bn for local government funding for January and February 2025, which had been held back earlier, and N246.7bn for state and local government funds from March to June 2025.
Although there were significant inflows, Adeyanju claimed that there was little or no proof of actual progress made by the administration.
"Beyond the aesthetic upgrades and painting of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, residents of Rivers State did not witness any concrete projects or development initiatives that could justify the allocation of such massive funds," the petition read.
It also criticized the administration for not releasing the required budget performance reports for the second quarter of 2025, while also criticizing Ibas's stance that he was only accountable to the President and the National Assembly.
"Concerningly, the administration led by Ibas did not release the required budget performance reports for the second quarter of 2025. Similarly alarming are recent remarks attributed to him, which undermine the power of the Rivers State House of Assembly to investigate his financial activities. He argues that since he was appointed by the President and overseen by the National Assembly, he is only accountable to the President and the National Assembly," Adeyanju said.
The advocate called on the ICPC to determine how the money was used, examine any potential instances of embezzlement or misuse of position, and take responsibility from Ibas if misconduct is proven.
"We have confidence in the commission's mission and dedication to fighting corruption and protecting public funds, and we kindly request that you prioritize this petition," he said.
The PUNCH states that last Wednesday, Ibas visited Aso Rock to meet President Bola Tinubu.
A private session included the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, and the Minister of Finance, as well as the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.
It was three days after Ibas refused requests from the Rivers State House of Assembly to investigate expenditures during his six-month tenure.
Nevertheless, the Presidency did not issue any formal announcement regarding the reason for the meeting held last Wednesday.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
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