By Seyi Odewale
The Rivers State government has disclosed before the High Court of Rivers State how the administration of former sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), allegedly spent over ₦302 billion between March and August 2025.
The revelations came during a Freedom of Information lawsuit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) seeking transparency over the six-month emergency rule in the state.
The suit, PHC/4153/CS/2025, is pending before Hon. Justice S.H. Aprioku.
In a counter-affidavit dated March 10, 2026, the Rivers State Accountant-General and Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning stated, “The FAAC allocations received by Rivers State between March and August 2025 were over ₦253 billion [₦253,480,052,907.33].” Supporting documents, including bank statements and capital estimates, detailed expenditures exceeding ₦300 billion.
“Our records show that ₦28 billion was approved for the installation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) at the State House, but no expenditure was incurred in respect of the project. Therefore, no document evidencing such expenditure can be provided,” the affidavit added.
The government further affirmed its compliance with SERAP’s information requests, stating, “The Defendants/Respondents have now compiled and made available the requested information in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.”
SERAP deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, confirmed receipt of the financial documents and said, “We are studying the large documents on the spending of the over ₦302 billion [₦302,352,458,523.07] of FAAC allocations and other funds by the Rivers State government between March and August 2025.”
He added, “Our teams are analysing the spending project-by-project, and we will decide whether our requests for information have been fully complied with or whether a fresh request for information or an amendment to our originating processes is necessary.”
The documents, according to SERAP, show that “over ₦112.41 billion was reportedly spent on salaries, pensions, and overheads, while ₦163.44 billion was allocated to ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). Over ₦106 billion of this amount was disbursed in August alone, showing a significant concentration of spending within a single month.”
The case has been adjourned to May 19, 2026, for further hearing. SERAP is seeking a judicial determination on whether it is entitled, under the Constitution and the Freedom of Information Act, to access the requested information.
