The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded transparency and accountability about the six-month administration of Rivers State’s sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), and the alleged spending of over ₦302 billion received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). In a statement released on its official website, SERAP revealed that the Rivers State Accountant-General and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning presented details to the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, showing how Ibas purportedly spent the aforementioned funds between March and August 2025. SERAP filed a lawsuit titled Freedom of Information against the Accountant-General and the Ministry, which is currently pending before Hon. Justice S.H. Aprioku of the Rivers State High Court.
According to SERAP, the bank statements (Exhibit DTI) and capital pages of the Government House estimate (Exhibit DT2) submitted in response to the lawsuit indicated government expenditures exceeding ₦300 billion, including FAAC allocations and other funds. The Accountant-General and the Ministry stated that FAAC allocations received during the period were over ₦253 billion, clarifying details related to the spending. The Defendants/Respondents acknowledged SERAP’s right to access information under the Freedom of Information Act and provided the requested documents.
Upon reviewing the documents, SERAP stated that Rivers State received FAAC inflows and other receipts totaling ₦298.35 billion between March and August 2025. The exhibits also highlighted various payments made to government entities and individuals, with over ₦302.35 billion reportedly spent during that period. Significant amounts were allocated to salaries, pensions, overheads, and ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). Notable transactions included transfers to Government House and expenditures on loans, bank charges, and specific projects.
The lawsuit raised questions about SERAP’s entitlement to access and obtain the information sought from the Defendants/Respondents based on relevant constitutional and legal provisions. The case is set for further hearing on May 19, 2026.
