|By Adejumo Adekunle-
-Coalition Slams Rivers Administrator for Reckless Spending, Political Bias
– CSOs Demand Urgent Action from Reps Committee to Restore Democratic Order
A coalition of 17 civil society organisations (CSOs) in Rivers State has formally petitioned the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the political crisis in the state, accusing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.) of gross misconduct and illegal governance practices.
In the petition dated April 16, 2025, the CSOs alleged that Ibas, who currently serves as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, is acting on the directives of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and has worsened the political impasse rather than calming tensions as mandated by President Bola Tinubu.
“We wish to humbly bring to your attention the severe, provocative and brazen acts of lawlessness and impunity being executed daily by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas,” the petition reads.
The group alleged that Ibas had dismantled democratic structures, ignored laid-down procedures, and recklessly spent over N100 billion in state funds without any visible development across the state.
“We are piqued by the reckless, irresponsible and uncontrollable expenditure of Rivers State funds by the State Administrator without adherence to due process. Over One Hundred Billion Naira has been expended with nothing tangible on ground,” the coalition stated.
They further expressed concern that Ibas has made no effort to engage political stakeholders or mediate between the rival factions embroiled in the political turmoil rocking the state.
“Since his appointment, the State Administrator has failed to initiate consultations with political actors or stakeholders to broker peace. Rather, he has openly aligned with the Wike camp, running the state as their nominee,” the petition continued.
The CSOs warned that continued silence by the federal lawmakers could embolden more reckless governance and deepen public distrust in the emergency rule declared by the President on March 18, 2025, which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
They urged the House Committee to:
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Investigate and halt the alleged financial recklessness,
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Reinstate suspended political appointees and institutions,
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Uphold the rule of law and restore democratic governance.
“If the State Administrator is not immediately checked, he would waste and fritter away state resources in a politically motivated heist,” the petition warned.
This petition comes amid growing tension and civil unrest in the state, with protesters calling for a return to democracy and a halt to what they described as a “one-man show” being run under the guise of emergency rule.
