The Coalition of Conscientious Citizens (3Cs) has urged Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers State, to declare his assets.
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state due to political instability. He also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state assembly for an initial six-month period. Following this, Tinubu appointed Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Sunday, Gabriel Nnaji, the group’s executive director, warned that Ibas’ failure to declare his assets could lead to self-enrichment.
“Our concerns have been further heightened by the reports we are getting from inside the administration,” Nnaji stated.
“It is especially concerning given the speed with which the withheld allocations for local governments were released without further changes in the judicial status of the excuses earlier given for withholding them.”
Nnaji also criticized Ibas for abruptly suspending Fubara’s political appointees, arguing that they were meant to work with him.
“Arising from the foregoing, we urge Vice Admiral Ibas not to complicate issues for himself. He must immediately declare his assets to remedy his failure to fulfil the constitutional requirement to do the same before taking the oath of office as the sole administrator of Rivers State,” he said.
“Given that Vice Admiral Ibas does not enjoy the mandate of Rivers State electorates, being the product of a fiat, there is an additional burden on him to publicly declare his assets. This will ensure he does not enrich himself at the expense of the state.”
He added that the coalition’s demand aligns with Section 185(1) of the constitution.
“We are also putting Vice Admiral Ibas on notice that the Coalition of Conscientious Citizens (3Cs) will lead an amalgamation of willing Nigerians and organisations to place his tenure under constant scrutiny and ensure that any misuse or personalisation of the resources of Rivers State shall attract legal consequences,” he stated.
Nnaji further gave Ibas seven days to publicly declare his assets, warning that failure to comply would lead to legal action against him.
