Former Chief of Naval Staff and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has strongly opposed the decision of the State House of Assembly to launch a probe into his six-month spending in office. The Assembly had recently announced plans to scrutinise financial transactions during his tenure, citing concerns over alleged irregularities and a lack of transparency.
In his reaction, Ibas dismissed the move as politically motivated and designed to tarnish his reputation. He argued that all expenditures under his watch were carried out in line with due process and established financial regulations. According to him, the allegations being circulated are baseless and aimed at scoring cheap political points.
The former minister insisted that he left behind a transparent record of service, complete with verifiable documentation of all projects executed within the period. He maintained that every naira spent was duly appropriated and monitored, stressing that he was ready to make available records to prove his innocence if called upon by legitimate authorities.
Ibas further accused some members of the Assembly of pursuing personal vendettas rather than focusing on genuine oversight. He urged the lawmakers to prioritise legislation that would improve governance and service delivery instead of engaging in what he described as “witch-hunt politics.”
Meanwhile, the Assembly leadership has defended its decision, stating that it has a constitutional duty to provide oversight and ensure accountability in the management of public funds. Lawmakers insist that the probe is not targeted at individuals but is part of a broader effort to strengthen transparency and public trust in government institutions.
Civil society groups and political commentators have weighed in on the development, with some supporting the probe as necessary for accountability, while others view it as a potential distraction from pressing socio-economic challenges. Observers argue that the outcome of the investigation could set a precedent for how state funds are monitored in the future.
As tensions rise, all eyes are now on the Assembly to see whether it will proceed with the probe or bow to pressure from political and public opinion. For Ibas, the matter represents a test of his legacy, while for the lawmakers, it is a question of how far they are willing to go in enforcing accountability.
