By Smart Chuks — SaharaNews247
Overview
In a bold move that continues to reverberate across Nigeria’s political landscape, Niger Delta activist Ann-Kio Briggs has demanded that retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas provide a full accounting of all funds handled during his six-month tenure as sole administrator of Rivers State.
The demand follows the end of a controversial state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025, which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the state legislature, and local government councils. Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, was given sweeping powers over one of Nigeria’s most resource-rich states, including control of billions of naira in federal allocations and internally generated revenue (IGR).
This article offers an in-depth look at the facts, timeline, legal framework, and political implications of the call for accountability. It also outlines what a credible audit should look like, why transparency is essential, and the consequences for both Rivers residents and the wider Nigerian federation.
The Facts Behind the Demand
Emergency Rule Declared
On 18 March 2025, President Tinubu announced a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political violence and legislative gridlock between Governor Fubara and the state House of Assembly. Acting under Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, the proclamation empowered the federal government to take control of executive and legislative functions.
The emergency suspended Governor Fubara, the House of Assembly, and local government councils. Civil service operations continued, but all executive decisions were placed under a federally appointed sole administrator.
Appointment of Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas
Vice-Admiral Ibas, a retired Chief of Naval Staff known for his administrative discipline, was appointed sole administrator with sweeping powers. He was charged with ensuring security, maintaining basic services, and managing all revenues and expenditures until democratic governance could be restored.
Rivers State, an oil-rich region, receives hundreds of billions of naira annually in federal allocations and also generates substantial IGR from taxes, levies, and oil-related economic activity.
End of the Emergency and Fubara’s Reinstatement
On 17 September 2025, the federal government lifted the emergency and reinstated Governor Fubara and elected officials. The transition was peaceful, but questions lingered about how much revenue the state earned, how much was spent, and whether procurement processes followed due process.
Ann-Kio Briggs Steps Forward
Ann-Kio Briggs, a respected Niger Delta environmental and human-rights activist, quickly became a leading voice for fiscal transparency. She declared that the people of Rivers State deserve to know the exact amount of money Admiral Ibas met in the treasury when he assumed office, the monthly federal allocations during his tenure, the IGR, and every kobo spent.
Her demand has been echoed by several civil society groups and political stakeholders. While no formal accusation of theft has been proven, public disclosure is a democratic necessity.
Why the Call for an Audit Is Sound
Concentration of Power
During the emergency, normal checks and balances—budget debates, legislative oversight, and the governor’s political accountability—were absent. With billions of naira at stake, independent verification is not just a political preference; it is good governance.
Continuity of Revenue
Even under emergency rule, Rivers State continued receiving monthly FAAC allocations and collecting IGR. Federal law treats those funds as belonging to the state’s citizens, not the federal appointee.
International Norms
International public-finance standards recommend a post-crisis financial disclosure whenever democratic institutions are suspended, to deter misuse and build public trust.
Timeline of Key Events
Date Event
18 Mar 2025 Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers State
19 Mar 2025 Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas appointed sole administrator
Apr–Aug 2025 Rivers receives monthly FAAC allocations; civil service continues under Ibas
17 Sep 2025 Emergency lifted; Governor Fubara reinstated
21 Sep 2025 Ann-Kio Briggs publicly demands full accounting of all funds managed by Ibas
The timeline underscores that the call for transparency arose almost immediately after the restoration of civilian rule.
Legal and Constitutional Dimensions
Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution
This section gives the President power to declare a state of emergency but does not exempt public officers from accountability. All public finance laws—such as the Fiscal Responsibility Act and State Audit Laws—remain binding.
Fiduciary Duty
Even as sole administrator, Ibas acted as a trustee of public funds. Nigerian courts have repeatedly held that public funds must be accounted for regardless of political circumstances.
Audit Mechanisms
State Auditor-General: Constitutionally empowered to examine and report on all public accounts.
State House of Assembly Public Accounts Committee: Now reactivated, it can summon Ibas, examine documents, and mandate a forensic audit.
Freedom of Information (FOI) Act: Civil society can file FOI requests for budgetary and revenue records.
Possible Outcomes
An audit could produce administrative findings recommending policy reforms or recovery of misapplied funds. If evidence of fraud emerges, criminal investigations could follow.
Broader Political Implications
For Governor Fubara
A transparent audit allows Fubara to demonstrate his commitment to accountability and to distance himself from the emergency administration, even though he was sidelined.
For the Federal Government
President Tinubu’s credibility regarding rule of law and federalism depends on supporting a transparent audit rather than appearing to shield the sole administrator.
For Rivers Citizens
Clear accounting means trust in government and assurance that crucial funds for education, infrastructure, and healthcare were not misused.
Obstacles to Full Transparency
1. Access to Bank Records
Banks may require specific legal instructions or court orders before releasing detailed statements.
2. Political Resistance
Allies of the former administrator or federal actors might resist an audit to avoid political embarrassment.
3. Complex Revenue Streams
Rivers State revenues include derivation funds, federal allocations, and oil-related levies. Tracking these requires forensic expertise.
4. Time and Resources
A credible audit could take months and require external auditors with specialized skills.
What a Credible Audit Should Include
Opening balance verification to confirm the amount in state coffers when Ibas assumed office.
Monthly revenue tracking of FAAC allocations, IGR, and special grants during the six-month period.
Expenditure analysis of every major expenditure, contract, and emergency procurement, with documentation.
Debt assessment to identify any loans or commitments incurred.
A public report with findings accessible to all citizens.
International Lessons
Countries such as Kenya and Ghana have experienced temporary emergency administrations. In each case, post-emergency audits were essential to rebuilding democratic legitimacy. Nigeria can learn from these precedents by institutionalising mandatory audits after any federal takeover of state governance.
Recommended Steps Forward
Governor Fubara: Formally request an independent forensic audit by a respected global firm and guarantee full public disclosure of findings.
Federal Government: Cooperate with the audit and make federal allocation records available while refraining from political interference.
State Assembly: Activate its Public Accounts Committee and conduct televised hearings for public confidence.
Civil Society and Media: File FOI requests and provide continuous coverage and citizen education on audit progress.
Scenarios and Possible Outcomes
Clean Bill of Health: If the audit reveals proper management, Ibas’s reputation will be enhanced and Rivers politics may stabilise quickly.
Irregularities Detected: Evidence of misappropriation would trigger recoveries, possible criminal prosecutions, and heightened political tension.
Audit Delay or Suppression: Failure to audit or publish results would deepen public mistrust and could provoke protests, legal challenges, and federal–state tensions.
Impact on Ordinary Residents
Transparent accounting directly affects ordinary Rivers citizens. Infrastructure, schools, and hospitals rely on the funds in question. Investor confidence grows when finances are transparent, and public trust in democratic institutions is strengthened when no one is above scrutiny—even during emergencies.
Conclusion
The statement that Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas must account for Rivers’ money is more than a political soundbite. It is a democratic imperative grounded in constitutional law, fiscal responsibility, and the public’s right to know.
Ann-Kio Briggs’s call represents a wider demand for good governance in Nigeria. While no evidence has yet proven misappropriation, the unique circumstances of the emergency rule make a thorough, independent audit essential.
For Rivers State—and Nigeria at large—this is an opportunity to strengthen the rule of law, demonstrate fiscal transparency, and reassure citizens that even in crises, public funds remain the people’s trust.
Author Bio
Smart Chuks is an investigative reporter and editor at SaharaNews247 focusing on governance, public finance, and Niger Delta affairs. With more than six years of experience covering Rivers State politics, he specialises in unpacking complex constitutional and fiscal issues for everyday readers. Twitter: @SmartChuksNG
