Cynthia Ezegwu
Actor and lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo, has called for an investigation into the six-month administration of Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas in Rivers State following the suspension of emergency rule and the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Okonkwo described the emergency rule as “unnecessary,” alleging it opened the door for mismanagement of the state’s resources.
“This state of emergency was uncalled for. It was unnecessary. Every other state in Nigeria should learn from this. When you are disunited in your state, strangers will be brought in to siphon your resources,” he said.
The former Labour Party chieftain specifically questioned a controversial allocation of N22 billion for the installation of CCTV at the Rivers State Government House under Ibas.
“Are you trying to see the private part of an ant? What’s the meaning of that CCTV? That’s siphoning the money. He should be probed. Accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, and innovation—these are the hormones of democracy. He has to be probed every one kobo,” Okonkwo declared.
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He also faulted the composition of decision-makers during the emergency period, arguing that none were from Rivers State.
“Have you noticed that all the people that decided the destiny of Rivers State on this state of emergency were all strangers, whether President Tinubu from Lagos or Osun, the Senate President from Akwa Ibom, the House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, from Kaduna State, the Chief Justice of the Federation from Lagos State, or Ibok-Ete Ibas. These people are all alien to Rivers State,” he said.
Rear Admiral Ibas administered the state for six months after the imposition of emergency rule, which has now been lifted to allow Governor Fubara’s return to office.