Rivers State Spent N302bn During Emergency Rule

The Rivers State government reported that N302 billion was allegedly spent during a six-month emergency rule from March to August 2025, under the administration of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas. This information was disclosed in a counter affidavit dated March 10, 2026, in response to a suit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

The report indicated that Rivers State received N253.48 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and an additional N44.87 billion from other sources, totaling N298.35 billion in inflow. The expenditure included N112.41 billion for salaries and pensions, with significant allocations to various ministries and agencies.

SERAP's deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, stated that the organization would review the spending records to determine compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. The case remains pending, with the next hearing scheduled for May 19, 2026.