Barrister Deji and his legal team have formally petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the former Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), over the alleged mismanagement of ₦283.3 billion within just six months of his administration.
According to the petition, aside from the minor renovation of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, no significant projects were executed during his tenure. The petition further notes that no official financial accounts were published and that transparency in governance was completely absent, leaving the people in the dark about how such a massive allocation of state resources was utilized.
The petitioners stressed that this matter requires urgent attention, as the people of Rivers State have the right to know how their funds were managed, especially at a time when economic challenges continue to affect the state.
🔎 Who is Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas?
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) is a seasoned naval officer who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff between 2015 and 2021 under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. He retired from active service in January 2021 after a long career in the Nigerian Navy. Following his retirement, he was appointed as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, a position that placed him in direct control of the state’s finances and governance structure for six months.
Observers believe that this case, if thoroughly investigated, could set a new precedent for accountability in public service. The outcome may also send a strong message to current and future leaders that state resources must be used responsibly and in line with the principles of transparency.
👉 What’s your take on this petition? Do you think ICPC will dig deep and hold the ex-Sole Administrator accountable? Drop your thoughts in the comment section below.
