As Rivers State anticipates the return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara on September 18 following a six-month emergency rule, the sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd), has defended his tenure. Ibas asserted that he successfully carried out President Bola Tinubu’s mandate, restoring stability to the politically volatile, oil-rich state.
However, opposition parties have demanded a full investigation into Ibas’s administration, particularly regarding the handling of state resources during his six months in charge at the Government House, known as Brick House.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticized the emergency rule as unconstitutional and a breach of democratic principles. The party dismissed Ibas’s administration as a “waste of time” and insisted on a probe into the tenure.
Similarly, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) described the six-month emergency rule as illegitimate from the onset and labeled it an exercise in futility.
The Labour Party also condemned the emergency declaration, alleging it was designed to protect the interests of President Tinubu and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, rather than the people of Rivers State.
In contrast, the All Progressives Congress (APC) commended Ibas for ensuring peace, upholding citizen rights, and maintaining democratic processes—including overseeing the conduct of local government elections. The party described his leadership as a stabilizing force amid the political crisis.
Background to the Emergency Rule
Rivers State had been embroiled in political turmoil for nearly two years due to a prolonged power struggle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Governor Fubara. This conflict led to a governance deadlock and heightened political tension.
To address the crisis, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on March 18 and appointed Ibas as the sole administrator. Two days later, on March 20, the National Assembly (both Senate and House of Representatives) endorsed the declaration, effectively suspending Governor Fubara and the State House of Assembly. Despite widespread public criticism, the suspension remained in effect.
In response, 11 PDP governors challenged the legality of the emergency rule by filing a suit at the Supreme Court (Case No: SC/CV/329/2025). However, no updates on the case have been made public since.
Following a reconciliation between Wike and Fubara, the political atmosphere has eased. On August 30, local government elections were held, with the APC winning 20 out of 23 seats and the PDP securing the remaining three.
With the emergency administration nearing its end, Ibas has initiated the transition process ahead of Governor Fubara’s reinstatement on September 18.
Thanksgiving Service and Farewell Address
Speaking at an Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service held in Port Harcourt on Sunday, Ibas reflected on his tenure. He called on political stakeholders to set aside their differences and put the prosperity of Rivers State above partisan interests.
Notably absent from the event were Wike and Fubara, as well as many traditional rulers. However, permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of parastatals, and service commanders were present.
Ibas reiterated his earlier statement that he had “successfully achieved” President Tinubu’s mandate in Rivers. He said his administration laid the groundwork for reconciliation and called on citizens to nurture this foundation.
“Six months ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. The state was deeply divided and unstable. But by God’s grace and with your support, we’ve weathered those storms,” Ibas said.
He thanked God for the peace that enabled the conduct of local elections and the return of democratic governance. Quoting the Bible, he described the thanksgiving as a testament to divine faithfulness, noting the state had survived multiple storms—political, social, and economic.
“The seeds of reconciliation have been planted, and these must be nurtured. Let us rise above rivalry and put Rivers State first. Politics must never be an excuse to destroy what we are called to serve.”
He urged all stakeholders—leaders, elders, politicians, and citizens—to forgive, reconcile, and protect the hard-earned peace, stressing that “no political victory or personal gain is worth the blood of our brothers and sisters.”
To the youth, he appealed:
“Do not be used as instruments of violence. Use your energy to build, create, and sustain peace. Your future, and our collective future, depends on it.”
Cleric’s Reflection
In his sermon, Pastor Organ Barasin acknowledged the need for divine intervention, stating that the emergency rule came at a time when the state was heading toward a potential crisis.
“We must admit we didn’t do well. Without the emergency declaration, Rivers State could have faced bloodshed,” he said.
Barasin emphasized the importance of forgiveness and called for a change in mindset as democratic governance resumes.
“If our attitudes don’t change, nothing will change. Leaders at all levels must reflect and commit to doing better. Billions have been spent. Let us not waste this opportunity.”
