Tinubu Under Pressure to Order Arrest of Ex-Rivers Administrator Ibas as EFCC Boss Spotted in Aso Rock

Pressure is mounting on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the arrest of former Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.).

Already, the President, on Wednesday, summoned Ibas to appear before him at the presidential Villa after his official handover to reinstated Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara.

Sources revealed that the President is under pressure to okay the investigation and arrest of Ibas as wvery high profile arrrest by the anti-graft agency has the consent of the president.

Ibas who arrived at the presidential villa at about 5:50 pm, was closely followed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

Also accompanying Ibas was the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukayede.

Speculations are rife that the meeting is to verify his administration’s records if it warrant a probe or be given a soft-landing.

Ibas’ six-month reign as the sole administrator of Rivers came to an end after he left office on September 17, 2025, following the end of the emergency rule declared by President Tinubu.

During its first plenary session after the end of the emergency rule, Rivers State House of Assembly, chaired by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, had revealed its intention to probe the state’s expenditure during Ibas’ administration.

“To 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,” part of the resolutions of the House reads.

The decision to probe the state’s expenditure over the last few months under him was rejected by Ibas.

The development is coming at the heel of a petition by Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Adeyanju Deji who had sought the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) investigation of Ibas over the sum of N283.3 billion he allegedly received within six months in office.

Addressing journalists shortly after submitting the petition, Adeyanju said; “Earlier today, I submitted a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), calling on them to investigate the former Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.), over the sum of ₦283.3 billion that came into the coffers of our state within a period of just six months.

“I stand before you today because this matter cannot be swept under the carpet. ₦283.3 billion was received in six months, and there is practically nothing on ground to justify such colossal expenditure.

“Aside from the cosmetic renovation of the State House of Assembly complex, there is no single project that can be pointed to, no accounts were published for public scrutiny, and no transparency was offered to the people.

“This is unacceptable. Rivers people deserve better. Our commonwealth cannot be squandered in this manner without questions being asked. The money in question is not personal money; it is the sweat, the entitlement, and the rightful share of Rivers people, and it must be accounted for.

_We cannot continue to live in a state where those entrusted with authority treat governance as a personal estate. Leadership is about service, accountability, and transparency. When ₦283.3 billion is spent without records, without visible projects, and without accountability, then it becomes clear that there is something fundamentally wrong, and such must be investigated.

“I have therefore taken this bold step today, not out of malice, not out of vendetta, but in defence of the people of Rivers State. We must begin to draw a line and say enough is enough. Those who occupy public office must know that they are stewards of the people’s trust, and one day, they will be called to account.

“I call on the ICPC to treat this petition with urgency. Rivers people are watching. Nigeria is watching. We cannot continue to encourage impunity in public service. The law must take its course, and justice must be done.

“The people of Rivers State deserve to know how their money was managed. They deserve to see projects that reflect the figures that came into this state. They deserve transparency and accountability at all times. Anything short of this is a betrayal of trust.

“I assure you all that I will continue to stand for truth, for justice, and for accountability. No amount of intimidation will silence this demand for answers. Rivers State belongs to us all, and we must protect it from reckless abuse.

The petition, according to him, is intended to ensure that justice is served and accountability enforced over the management of the state’s resources.