SERAP Blows Hot: Nigerians Must Know Where Ibas’ ₦254 Billion Went-Full Details

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the immediate past Administrator of Rivers State, to provide a breakdown of how his government spent over ₦254.37 billion received from the Federation Account between March and August 2025.

In a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, the group insisted that Nigerians have the right to know how the funds, including the ₦22 billion allegedly allocated for CCTV installation at the State House, were utilised.

SERAP stressed that transparency in this regard would not only strengthen public accountability but also address concerns of corruption, mismanagement, and abuse of office.

Quoting its petition, the group said:

“We are issuing a Freedom of Information request to compel Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) to account for the N254.37bn received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee between March and August 2025. The request is in the public interest and aligned with Nigerians’ legally enforceable right to information.”

The rights body emphasised that its action is anchored on the Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, all of which guarantee citizens access to information on governance.

According to SERAP, access to such details will “let in light, expose the workings of government, and build public trust.”

It also warned that Rivers State authorities cannot hide under emergency rule as a pretext to deny Nigerians the financial details being demanded.