The Coalition of Conscientious Citizens (3Cs) has issued a strong call for Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the sole administrator of Rivers State, to publicly declare his assets, citing concerns over possible self-enrichment and lack of transparency in governance.
During a press conference held in Abuja on Sunday, Gabriel Nnaji, the executive director of the group, expressed disappointment over Ibas' failure to declare his assets before assuming office. He warned that this omission could pave the way for financial misconduct and abuse of power, especially given the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
Nnaji pointed out that one of the major concerns was the rapid disbursement of previously withheld local government allocations under Ibas’ administration. He argued that the swift release of funds raised questions about the transparency and accountability of the Rivers State administration.
Additionally, the group took issue with Ibas' decision to suspend numerous political appointees who were expected to work with him. According to Nnaji, this move has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and has further deepened concerns about the lack of democratic accountability within the state’s governance structure.
The Coalition emphasized that Ibas’ appointment was not a result of an electoral process but rather a presidential directive, which places an even greater responsibility on him to maintain transparency and earn the trust of the people. They insisted that a public declaration of assets would serve as a crucial step toward ensuring that he adheres to ethical governance practices.
“Vice Admiral Ibas must immediately declare his assets to remedy his failure to meet the constitutional requirement before taking the oath of office,” Nnaji stated during the press briefing. He reiterated that accountability is especially vital given the delicate political situation in Rivers State.
Citing Section 185(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, Nnaji emphasized that all public officials, including appointed administrators, must disclose their assets before assuming office to ensure transparency and prevent potential conflicts of interest. He urged Ibas to act swiftly to fulfill this legal obligation.
The Coalition further warned that if Ibas fails to publicly declare his assets within seven days, they will pursue legal action against him. They also pledged to closely monitor his tenure, ensuring that state resources are not mismanaged or misappropriated.
As Rivers State continues to navigate a politically tense environment, the demand for transparency in governance remains high. The pressure on Ibas to comply with asset declaration laws is expected to intensify in the coming days as concerned citizens and civil society groups continue to push for accountability in the state’s administration.