Amanze Chinonye
A socio-political group, the Rivers Liberation Movement (RLM), has called on the Rivers State Government and federal anti-corruption agencies to institute a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the eight-year tenure of former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike.
In a press statement dated January 21, 2026, and signed by its Director-General, Hon. Randolph Iwo Oruene Brown, the group urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to immediately constitute a judicial panel of inquiry to examine financial activities, projects, and asset ownership during Wike’s administration from 2015 to 2023.
The group said its demand was not motivated by politics or personal vendetta but by what it described as the constitutional right of Rivers people to accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to the statement, the RLM is seeking full public disclosure of all revenues accrued to Rivers State during the eight-year period, including federal allocations, internally generated revenue, loans, bonds, derivation funds, and other statutory inflows. It also demanded an audited breakdown of how such funds were utilised.
The movement further called for the publication and independent valuation of all projects executed under the Wike administration, including approved costs, actual disbursements, and current valuations, with particular attention to major infrastructure projects.
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Specifically, the group raised concerns over the Rivers State Ring Road project, demanding clarity on the total contract sum, the identity of the contractor responsible for execution, and the procurement and payment processes adopted.
It also called for an independent assessment of the numerous flyover projects constructed across the state to determine whether their costs aligned with prevailing market benchmarks and whether the quality of execution justified the amounts reportedly spent.
On land administration, the RLM demanded the release of records of all land allocations made between 2015 and 2023, including the names of beneficiaries, sizes, locations, purposes, and evidence of compliance with statutory procedures.
The group also sought clarification on the ownership, acquisition process, and funding arrangements of several strategic assets, including Dappa Biriye House (the old NDDC building), reclaimed Eastern Bypass land, Hypercity Development, Signature Hotel, and the Stock Exchange building at the Civic Centre.
In addition, the movement called for official confirmation and detailed records regarding alleged claims of a $300 million compensation reportedly paid by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to the Rivers State Government in respect of Oil Mining Lease (OML)
It demanded disclosure of whether such funds were received, how they were utilised, and who benefited from them.
The Rivers Liberation Movement urged anti-graft agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the Code of Conduct Bureau, and the Office of the Auditor-General, to proactively investigate the issues raised. It also called on the National Assembly to exercise its oversight powers where federal funds and institutions are involved.
“Public office is a trust, and accountability does not end with tenure,” the group said, insisting that former public officials are not shielded from scrutiny once they leave office.
The statement concluded with a call on the Rivers State Government to release all relevant records in the interest of transparency and democratic accountability, stressing that the people of Rivers State deserve “clear answers, verifiable records, and institutional accountability.”
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
