President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday summoned Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), the immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, to the Presidential Villa in Abuja amid mounting scrutiny over financial transactions during his six-month tenure under emergency rule.
Ibas, who governed Rivers State from March to September 2025, arrived at Aso Villa at about 5:50 p.m. in the company of Minister of Finance Wale Edun and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukayede. Edun, who had earlier entered the villa alone, briefly left and returned with a file believed to be related to the meeting, underscoring the seriousness of the discussions.
The summons comes as the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, launches an investigation into the state’s finances during Ibas’ administration. Lawmakers say they intend to scrutinize withdrawals from the consolidated revenue fund, contract awards, and other expenditures made during the emergency period.
Vice Admiral Ibas, however, has publicly rejected the Assembly’s decision to probe his tenure, setting the stage for what could become a high-stakes confrontation between the former administrator and state lawmakers.
Appointed by President Tinubu to restore order following a political crisis that led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state House of Assembly, Ibas oversaw Rivers State’s affairs for six months. During that period, the state reportedly received at least ₦254.37 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The investigation seeks to determine how those funds were spent and whether due process was followed in the award of contracts and other financial commitments.
While details of the closed-door meeting between Tinubu and Ibas have not been disclosed, sources close to the presidency believe the talks were linked to the looming probe and the former administrator’s stance against it.
The Rivers Assembly’s decision to investigate Ibas’ tenure marks a significant escalation in the state’s ongoing political tensions, with analysts warning that the outcome could have far-reaching implications for accountability in governance.
Ibas’ rejection of the probe could further complicate the process as lawmakers prepare to summon witnesses and review financial records from the six-month period.
The situation comes just weeks after Tinubu ordered the reinstatement of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature, effectively ending the emergency rule and returning Rivers State to democratic governance.
As of press time, neither the Presidency nor Ibas had issued an official statement on the outcome of Tuesday’s meeting.
