Tinubu summons Ibas to Aso Rock over Rivers finances
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday evening summoned Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Sources say Ibas arrived the State House around 5:50 p.m., dressed in brown native attire, accompanied by the Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede.
Earlier, Edun was seen entering the Villa briefly before departing, only to return carrying a file, a move observers interpreted as signalling urgency.
Ibas relinquished his role as administrator on September 17, coinciding with the expiration of a six-month emergency rule imposed on Rivers State earlier in the year.
President Tinubu had, at the same time, ordered the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly members.
READ ALSO: Reps query Ibas over ₦24bn govt house CCTV project
Immediately after the emergency rule ended, the Rivers State House of Assembly, under Speaker Martin Amaewhule, initiated moves to investigate the use of state funds during Ibas’s tenure.
Lawmakers resolved to examine especially allocations from the consolidated revenue fund, contract awards, and other expenditure decisions made under Ibas.
But Ibas has publicly rejected the probe, maintaining that his administration acted lawfully during the emergency period.
Records show that between March and August 2025, under Ibas’s administration, Rivers State received approximately ₦254.37 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The purpose of Wednesday’s meeting has not been disclosed. Some insiders say it may revolve around providing explanations or negotiating terms ahead of formal audits.
READ ALSO: Reps Committee finally holds meeting with Ibas
Political watchers interpret Tinubu’s move as a demonstration that federal oversight will increasingly play a role in state financial accountability.
In Rivers State, tensions remain high. The PDP state chapter maintains that no defection by Governor Fubara is imminent, despite rumours linked to the meetings at the Villa.
Some speculate that the probe could have implications for Fubara, especially if questions arise about collaboration or oversight during the emergency rule.
The inclusion of both Edun and the EFCC chairman in the meeting lends weight to assertions that the matter may be treated with serious scrutiny at the federal level.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
