Rivers Emergency rule: Opposition demands probe as Ibas defends tenure

As Rivers State prepares for the return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara on September 18 following the six-month emergency rule in the state, the sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd), has defended his tenure, stating that he fulfilled President Bola Tinubu’s mandate and stabilised the oil-rich state.

However, the opposition parties called for an investigation into Iba’s tenure, particularly his management of the state’s resources during his six-month stay in Brick House.

The Peoples Democratic Party described Ibas’s six-month administration as a waste of time, declaring it unconstitutional, a violation of democratic norms, and demanding an investigation.

Meanwhile, the New Nigeria Peoples Party dismissed the entire six-month rule under Ibas as an exercise in futility, claiming it lacked legitimacy from the outset.

The Labour Party also criticised the emergency rule, alleging it was designed to protect the interests of President Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, rather than those of the people.

In contrast to the opposition’s stance, the All Progressives Congress praised Ibas for maintaining peace and upholding the rights of citizens during his time as sole administrator.

The party lauded his efforts in ensuring that democratic processes, especially the conduct of local government elections, remained intact, describing his leadership as a stabilising force in a previously tense political environment.

Rivers State had been engulfed in political turmoil for nearly two years, largely due to a power tussle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, which resulted in a prolonged governance deadlock.

In response to the crisis, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on March 18 and appointed Ibas as the sole administrator to manage the state’s affairs during the period.

Two days later, on March 20, both the House of Representatives and the Senate endorsed the President’s declaration, effectively suspending Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly away on forced holidays despite widespread public criticism.

Objecting to what they considered an unconstitutional move, 11 PDP governors filed a case at the Supreme Court, registered as SC/CV/329/2025. However, there has been no public update on the matter since then.

Following the reconciliation between Wike and Fubara, the political climate in Rivers has eased.

The state held its local government elections on August 30, with the ruling All Progressives Congress securing 20 seats and the PDP winning the remaining three.

With a few days to the end of his tenure, the sole administrator commenced the transition process ahead of the President’s reinstatement of the suspended governor by September 18.

Speaking at the Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service in Port Harcourt on Sunday ahead of Fubara’s return to power, the sole administrator urged political stakeholders to lay down their differences, emphasising that the progress and prosperity of Rivers State must take precedence over personal or party interests.

However, notable politicians in Rivers, including Wike and Fubara, were absent at the event. Aside from the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Ruler, many monarchs in the state were visibly absent at the thanksgiving.

However, Permanent Secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of boards, agencies, parastatals and service commanders in the state graced the occasion.

Ibas noted that his administration has laid the foundation for reconciliation and called on the people to nurture that effort so it can firmly take root.

He also appealed to all stakeholders, including leaders, elders, politicians, and citizens, to always prioritise the state’s well-being above all else.

Ibas stated, “Six months ago, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, declared a state of emergency in River State. At that moment, our beloved state stood at a crossroad, torn by divisions, instability, and broken trust.  By God’s grace and with the support of Mr. President and all of you, we have worked through those difficult days together.

“Today, as a people, we return thanks to God for preserving our lives, granting us peace, and allowing the successful conduct of the local government council elections across the state and thus laying the foundation for the return of democratic governance in Rivers State.”

Ibas added, “The seeds of reconciliation have been planted. These seeds need your deliberate nurture to take root. Our collective sacrifices and commitment to peace is what we must all strive to guide at this time.

“My brothers and sisters, this Ecumenical Centre (venue of the event) is itself a symbol of unity, different denominations under one roof, lifting one voice to one God. In the same spirit, Rivers people must rise above bitterness, rivalry and self-interest to pursue the greater good of our state.

“The progress and prosperity of the River State must be placed above personal and or partisan interest. I make a special appeal to our political actors, sheathe your sword. Politics must never be an excuse to destroy the very state we are called to serve.

He called on all stakeholders to focus their efforts on fostering and maintaining peace in the state.

Ibas added, “Let us forgive, let us reconcile, and let us heal. For where there is peace, there is progress, and where there is love, there is prosperity. To our youth, you are the strength of Rivers State. Do not allow yourselves to be used as tools for violence. Channel your energy into building, creating, and sustaining peace. Your future, our collective future, depends on it.

“While efforts at peace and reconciliation take hold, all stakeholders, leaders, elders, political actors, and citizens alike should put Rivers State first. Let us guide the peace we have, nurture it with love, and grow it with stability and prosperity for generations yet unborn.”

“Our elders must continue to guide with wisdom. Our faith leaders must sustain prayers for peace. Our young people must commit to learning, working, and creating so that Rivers State will continue to shine as the treasure base of the nation.”

In his sermon, Pastor Organ Barasin highlighted that every individual experiences a moment of intervention, noting that the emergency rule was implemented in the state due to prevailing challenges and instability.

“We must admit that we didn’t do well,” he said, pointing out that before the declaration of emergency rule, the intense political tension in the state could have led to a bloodbath if not for divine intervention.

He stated, “Some people may have been killed. The plan of the enemy was to destabilise Rivers State, but Rivers State belongs to God. The plan of the enemy will not stand.