Rivers administrator Ibas pressured to publicly declare assets amid concern over possible self-enrichment

The Coalition of Conscientious Citizens (3Cs) has called on Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the sole administrator of Rivers State, to publicly declare his assets. 

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, Gabriel Nnaji, the group’s executive director, expressed concerns over Ibas’ failure to declare his assets before assuming office, warning that it could lead to self-enrichment.

Nnaji highlighted the swift release of withheld local government allocations as a particular point of concern, stating that it raised questions about transparency in the administration.

He also criticized Ibas’ decision to suspend political appointees who were expected to work with him. 

The group emphasized that, given Ibas’ appointment through a presidential directive rather than an electoral mandate, he bears an added responsibility to ensure transparency. 

“Vice Admiral Ibas must immediately declare his assets to remedy his failure to meet the constitutional requirement before taking the oath of office,” Nnaji said. 

He cited Section 185(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, stressing that accountability is crucial, especially in the wake of the political crisis in Rivers State. 

The coalition further warned that if Ibas fails to publicly declare his assets within seven days, they will take legal action against him and keep his tenure under close scrutiny to prevent any misuse of state resources.