₦302bn Rivers Spending Under Ibas Raises Questions as SERAP Pushes for Full Disclosure

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More than ₦302 billion spent during the administration of former sole administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas in Rivers State is now under fresh scrutiny, as the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) presses for full transparency.

The Rivers State Government disclosed the figures before the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt while responding to a Freedom of Information (FOI) suit. In a counter-affidavit filed by the Accountant-General and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the state provided details of revenue inflows and expenditures covering March to August 2025.

According to the submission, the state received ₦253.48 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) within the period. Total inflows, including internally generated revenue, stood at ₦298.35 billion, while overall spending slightly exceeded ₦302 billion.

A breakdown of the expenditure shows that ₦112.41 billion was used for salaries, pensions, and overhead costs. Another ₦163.44 billion was allocated to ministries, departments, and agencies, with a significant portion—over ₦106 billion—released in August 2025 alone. Loan servicing accounted for ₦26.01 billion, while ₦491.59 million was spent on bank charges.

The documents also highlighted several project allocations that have drawn attention. About ₦2.5 billion was released for Government House quarters, with roughly ₦1.1 billion already spent. Office building repairs received a revised allocation of ₦2.67 billion, although only ₦404 million was utilised. Additionally, ₦350 million was spent on canteen and kitchen equipment, while over ₦463 million went into rehabilitation works.

In one instance, a project originally budgeted at ₦800 million was increased to ₦1.56 billion. Meanwhile, despite the approval of ₦28 billion for CCTV installation at Government House, no funds were spent, with the government stating that no record exists to support any disbursement for the project.

Although the state government said it has now provided the requested documents and does not oppose SERAP’s demand under the FOI Act, the organisation maintains that its review is ongoing. SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, said the group is analysing the expenditures in detail and may take further legal steps if necessary.

The spending took place during the emergency rule declared on March 18, 2025, following a political crisis in the state. At the time, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly were suspended, with Ibas appointed to oversee the state’s affairs.

Although the emergency rule ended in September 2025, the financial decisions made during that period remain controversial. Efforts by lawmakers to investigate the spending have reportedly been resisted.

The case has been adjourned to May 19, 2026, when the court will decide whether additional disclosures should be made, a ruling that could shape future standards for transparency in emergency governance.