The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has been issued a seven-day ultimatum to publicly declare his assets or face legal action.
This demand was made by the Coalition of Conscientious Citizens (3Cs) at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The group emphasized that Ibas must comply with Section 185(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates individuals assuming the office of governor to declare their assets and liabilities before taking office.
The call for transparency follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025. Tinubu justified the move by citing political instability in the state, accusing Governor Sim Fubara of demolishing the State House of Assembly building. As a result, Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for an initial six-month period. The President then appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibas as the state’s sole administrator during the emergency period.
However, the decision has sparked nationwide criticism, with many questioning its legality. Amid these concerns, the 3Cs coalition insists that Ibas must make his asset declaration public to ensure accountability.
Dr. Gabriel Nnaji, the coalition’s Executive Director, expressed fears that Ibas’ failure to declare his assets could lead to financial mismanagement. He also referenced reports suggesting that the state’s funds had been rapidly depleted within two weeks of Ibas’ appointment.
“Our concerns have been further heightened by reports from inside the administration indicating that Rivers State’s coffers have been bled dry in under two weeks of the Sole Administrator assuming office,” the coalition stated.
The group also raised concerns over the swift release of previously withheld local government allocations and the suspension of Fubara’s political appointees, suggesting it was a strategy to prevent scrutiny of alleged financial mismanagement.
The coalition warned Ibas against further delay in declaring his assets, stressing that as an unelected official, he bears an additional responsibility to maintain transparency.
“We are giving Vice Admiral Ibas seven days from today to publicly declare his assets. If he fails to do so, we will take legal action to compel compliance,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the group pledged to closely monitor Ibas’ tenure and ensure any misuse of state resources is met with legal consequences.
“The Coalition of Conscientious Citizens (3Cs) will lead an alliance of concerned Nigerians and organizations to place Ibas’ tenure under strict scrutiny. Any attempt to misappropriate Rivers State’s resources will be challenged legally,” the statement added.
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