The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to compel the immediate past Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), to provide a detailed explanation of how his administration spent over N254.37 billion received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) between March and August 2025.

The organisation is also seeking clarification on the alleged N22 billion reportedly budgeted for the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) in the State House during the period of emergency rule.

According to SERAP, the FOI request is in the legitimate public interest, as Nigerians have a right to know how public resources were utilised.

The group argued that disclosure of the information would enhance transparency and accountability, as well as help address allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and abuse of public trust.

“The right of access to information lets in light and allows the public to scrutinise the workings of government. Nigerians have the legally enforceable right to know how Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) spent the FAAC allocations and other resources received during his tenure as administrator,” SERAP said.

The organisation noted that the request is backed by the Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the 1999 Nigerian 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 citizens’ right of access to information.

SERAP further stressed that emergency rule cannot be used as an excuse to deny public access to details of government spending.

“The Nigerian Constitution, the FOI Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations all rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities. Rivers State cannot hide under the excuse of an emergency rule to refuse to provide the details being sought,” the group insisted.