Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Chief Onueze Okocha, has warned the Rivers State House of Assembly not to initiate a probe into former Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.
Okocha made the remarks on Monday in Port Harcourt while addressing journalists.
He advised lawmakers to prioritise rebuilding the state by focusing on impactful legislative responsibilities.
According to him, the Assembly should devote its energy to performing constitutional roles rather than engaging in probes.
PUNCH Online recalls that Ibas held office as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State from March to September 2025, after Governor Siminalayi Fubara was suspended by President Bola Tinubu.
Calls have since emerged for an inquiry into his stewardship following his exit from the role.
However, Okocha argued that attempts by lawmakers to scrutinise or investigate the former Administrator’s management of state funds during the six-month interim rule were needless.
He stressed that such an exercise might be perceived as a witch-hunt, given that Ibas only acted on directives from President Bola Tinubu.
“I think Ibas deserved some honour and respect; it will be unkind if our lawmakers begin to talk about probing him since they did not appoint him, nor was he reporting to them.
“As a concerned citizen of the state, my advice to the Lawmakers is that they should ignore the plan of probing Ibas and allow the state to run peacefully along democratic lines.
“There’s an urgent need for a harmonious relationship amongst the three arms of government, the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary if we must move forward,” he said.
The ex-NBA president, therefore, urged lawmakers to concentrate on fostering collaboration among the arms of government to ensure democratic order and stability in Rivers State.
