Tinubu meets with ex-Rivers Administrator, Ibas

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday received former Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for a briefing on state matters.

Rear Admiral Ibas arrived at the State House around 5:15 p.m., accompanied by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede. Observers noted that Minister Edun had earlier entered the Villa and returned carrying a file, underscoring the seriousness of the meeting.

Vice Admiral Ibas had assumed office as Rivers State Administrator on September 17, following the termination of a six-month emergency rule proclaimed by President Tinubu on March 18.

Last Thursday, the President had directed the reinstatement of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

At its first plenary session after the emergency rule, the Rivers State House of Assembly, chaired by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, stated it may invite Admiral Ibas for clarifications regarding the administration’s expenditures during the six-month period. Lawmakers indicated they were seeking insights on spending from the consolidated revenue fund, particularly concerning contract awards and other financial decisions.

However, Admiral Ibas publicly rejected calls for a probe into the state’s expenditure during his tenure. Records indicate that Rivers State received at least N254.37 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) between March and August, covering the duration of the emergency rule.

Details of the discussion between President Tinubu and Vice Admiral Ibas were not disclosed as of press time.