Dare Babalola
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called for full disclosure and accountability over the handling of public funds during the six-month tenure of Ibok-Ete Ibas, following allegations that more than ₦302 billion was expended within the period.
In a statement issued Sunday, SERAP revealed that officials from the Rivers State Accountant-General’s office and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning had informed the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt that the funds—sourced largely from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC)—were spent between March and August 2025.
The disclosure forms part of an ongoing legal battle initiated by SERAP under the Freedom of Information Act, with suit number PHC/4153/CS/2025. The case, filed on October 31, 2025, is currently before Justice S.H. Aprioku.
According to SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the state government, in a counter-affidavit dated March 10, 2026, acknowledged receiving over ₦253.48 billion from FAAC within the period under review.
Supporting documents attached to the affidavit—including bank statements and Government House expenditure records—indicate that total inflows, alongside other revenues, stood at about ₦298.35 billion, while total spending slightly exceeded ₦302.35 billion.
The filings also highlighted that although ₦28 billion was approved for the installation of a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system at the Government House, no funds were eventually disbursed for the project.
Despite initial delays, the state government maintained that it had now complied with SERAP’s request by providing all relevant documents, stressing that it had no intention of withholding public information and recognising the importance of transparency.
However, SERAP said it is currently reviewing the extensive records to determine whether full compliance has been achieved or if further legal steps would be necessary.
Preliminary analysis by the organisation revealed that over ₦112.41 billion was spent on salaries, pensions, and overhead costs, while ₦163.44 billion was allocated to ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). Notably, more than ₦106 billion of that amount was reportedly disbursed in August alone, raising concerns over the concentration of spending within a single month.
The documents further showed multiple transfers to the Government House, ranging from millions to billions of naira, including repeated payments of ₦900 million and a single transfer of ₦4.27 billion recorded in August.
Additionally, about ₦26.5 billion was used to service loans and cover bank charges during the same period.
Other expenditures captured in the records include over ₦2.5 billion earmarked for Government House quarters—though only about ₦1.1 billion appears to have been utilised—as well as revised allocations for office renovations and various rehabilitation projects.
SERAP is asking the court to determine whether, under relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Freedom of Information Act, it is entitled to access all requested details concerning the expenditures.
The matter has been adjourned until May 19, 2026, for further hearing.
