Tinubu Summons Former Rivers Sole Administrator Ibas Amid Spending Probe, Finance Minister and EFCC Chair Present at Key Aso Villa Meeting
Tinubu Summons Former Rivers Sole Administrator Ibas Amid Spending Probe, Finance Minister and EFCC Chair Present at Key Aso Villa Meeting
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday summoned the immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), to the Presidential Villa in Abuja amid rising scrutiny over the state’s financial activities during the six-month emergency rule. The closed-door meeting, which also involved the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukayede, has sparked speculation about a possible high-level investigation into the state’s finances.
High-Level Meeting at the Presidential Villa
Akahi News gathered that Vice Admiral Ibas arrived at the Presidential Villa around 5:50 pm, dressed in brown native attire, and was swiftly ushered in for the meeting. Sources confirmed that the EFCC Chairman and the Finance Minister were also present, underscoring the significance of the discussions.
Interestingly, Wale Edun had earlier visited the villa but left briefly before returning with a file in hand — a move widely interpreted as a signal of the weighty matters under consideration.
Six-Month Emergency Rule Under Scrutiny
Vice Admiral Ibas had served as the sole administrator of oil-rich Rivers State for six months after President Tinubu imposed emergency rule earlier this year, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state’s House of Assembly amid escalating political crises.
The emergency administration ended on September 17, with Tinubu directing the reinstatement of the suspended governor, deputy governor, and lawmakers to resume normal governance. However, the decision by the Rivers State House of Assembly to probe the financial activities under Ibas has triggered fresh controversy.
Lawmakers Demand Accountability
During its first plenary session after resuming duties, the Rivers Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, resolved to launch a full-scale investigation into how funds from the consolidated revenue account were utilised over the six-month period.
According to the House resolution:
“The Assembly will explore the process of knowing what transpired during the emergency rule with regard to spending from the consolidated revenue fund for the award of contracts and other expenditure.”
However, Ibas reportedly rejected the decision to probe the financial transactions that occurred under his watch, setting the stage for a potential clash between the former administrator and state lawmakers.
N254.37 Billion Allocations Under Ibas’ Tenure
Records reviewed by Akahi News indicate that Rivers State received no less than ₦254.37 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) between March and August 2025 — a period that fell squarely under the control of Ibas as sole administrator.
Observers have questioned how much of these funds went into critical infrastructure, salaries, and developmental projects, given the lack of transparency around the spending during the emergency period.
Possible Implications of the Aso Villa Meeting
Political analysts believe the presence of the EFCC chairman and the Finance Minister at the Aso Villa meeting signals a possible federal interest in the Rivers spending controversy. While no official statement has been released as of press time, there are strong indications that both financial records and contract awards executed during the emergency rule may come under federal scrutiny in the coming weeks.
Some commentators have also noted that this development could have significant political implications for the former sole administrator and even Governor Fubara’s administration as it resumes full control of the state’s affairs.
As the probe threat looms, Rivers people await clarity on whether the meeting will lead to a formal investigation or remain a political move behind closed doors. Either way, the call for transparency and accountability in managing public funds continues to grow louder.
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