The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a Freedom of Information (FOI) request compelling the immediate past Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), to explain how his government spent over N254.37 billion received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) between March and August 2025.
The group specifically queried the alleged N22 billion reportedly budgeted for the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) in the State House.
According to SERAP, the request is in the public interest as it will enhance transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, while addressing possible allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and abuse of trust.
“Access to information allows the public to scrutinise the workings of government and hold leaders accountable. Nigerians have the right to know how Admiral Ibas spent FAAC allocations and other funds during the period of emergency rule in Rivers State,” the organisation stated.
SERAP cited the Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, all of which guarantee the right to access public information.
The group insisted that the Rivers State government cannot rely on the excuse of emergency rule to withhold financial details, stressing that accountability remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s constitutional, anti-corruption, and human rights obligations.
