Fresh disclosures have emerged at the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, where the state government has outlined how over ₦302 billion was expended within a six-month period in 2025, amid an ongoing legal battle over access to public financial records.
The revelations were made by the Rivers State Accountant-General and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in response to a suit filed by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), which is seeking full disclosure of financial activities during the emergency rule period in the state.
The case, marked PHC/4153/CS/2025, is before Justice S. H. Aprioku at the Rivers State High Court.
It stems from SERAP’s demand for accountability over funds received and spent between March and August 2025 under the administration of former sole administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas.
In a counter-affidavit dated March 10, 2026, the government disclosed that Rivers State received over ₦253.48 billion from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements during the period, alongside additional receipts of about ₦44.87 billion, bringing total inflows to roughly ₦298.35 billion.
Supporting documents, including bank statements and capital expenditure records tendered as exhibits, indicated that total spending slightly exceeded ₦302.35 billion within the same timeframe.
The breakdown showed that over ₦112.4 billion went to salaries, pensions, and overheads, while about ₦163.44 billion was distributed to ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
A significant portion of MDA allocations—over ₦106 billion—was reportedly disbursed in August alone, highlighting a sharp spike in spending within a single month.
The records further revealed multiple transfers to Government House, ranging from ₦1.8 million to as high as ₦4.27 billion.
Notably, several transactions of ₦900 million were repeated during the period, with a single ₦4.27 billion transfer recorded in August.
Loan servicing accounted for over ₦26 billion, while bank charges amounted to approximately ₦491.6 million.
Additionally, more than ₦2.5 billion was earmarked for the construction of Government House quarters, though only about ₦1.1 billion was reflected as actual expenditure in the documents.
Other allocations included ₦2.67 billion for office building repairs, of which about ₦404 million was spent, as well as ₦350 million budgeted for canteen and kitchen equipment, with unclear disbursement details.
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Rehabilitation projects reportedly consumed over ₦463 million, with one project’s budget rising from ₦800 million to ₦1.56 billion.
The government also clarified that although ₦28 billion had been approved for the installation of CCTV systems at the State House, no funds were ultimately spent on the project.
Despite initial delays, the respondents maintained that they have now complied with SERAP’s request under the Freedom of Information Act by providing all relevant documents, insisting there was no intention to withhold information.
Reacting, SERAP’s Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare said the organization is currently reviewing the extensive financial records to determine whether full compliance has been achieved or if further legal steps will be required.
He noted that preliminary analysis points to extensive financial movements, including transfers to government entities and individuals, as well as recurring payments to Government House.
The suit, filed in October 2025, seeks a judicial determination on whether SERAP is entitled to access the requested information under constitutional provisions and the Freedom of Information Act.
The matter has been adjourned to May 19, 2026, for further hearing.