Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the sole administrator of Rivers State, has warned that ongoing protests by supporters of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara are testing his resolve, even as he continues to exercise restraint despite the sweeping powers granted to him under the emergency rule.
Speaking through his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, Ibas urged protesters to remain calm and allow the process of restoring democratic governance in the state to unfold peacefully.
Addressing the press on Tuesday, Igbikiowubo said the gazette establishing emergency rule in Rivers State granted Ibas broad authority, but the administrator had deliberately chosen a measured approach.
“The fact that people are able to protest speaks to the administrator’s level of tolerance. If you check the gazette, it grants him sweeping powers—but he has exercised restraint,” Igbikiowubo said. “These protests are testing his will. We urge Rivers residents to be restrained and allow cool heads to prevail. All hands must be on deck to restore democratic institutions.”
President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, suspending Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly. Ibas was appointed to oversee the state during the period, sparking widespread criticism and resistance from pro-Fubara groups.
Igbikiowubo noted that the administrator had begun engaging key stakeholders in the state to ease tensions. “The administrator met with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the state today (Tuesday). It was a productive meeting where CAN offered advice on the path forward. More such meetings are planned,” he added.
On the House of Representatives’ invitation to Ibas, Igbikiowubo confirmed, “No, we don’t have a date yet.”
More Protests, Open Letter to Tinubu
Amid growing unrest, a coalition of concerned Rivers citizens has called for an immediate reversal of the emergency declaration, describing it as unconstitutional and a blatant abuse of executive authority.
In an open letter addressed to President Tinubu and copied to the National Assembly and international bodies, the group condemned the suspension of the elected officials and called for their reinstatement.
The letter was signed by prominent figures including Donu Kogbara, Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, Dane Ibim Semenitari, Lloyd F. Ukwu (NADECO USA/Project Coordinator), Julie Dyer (Coordinator/Admin), and 19 others.
They accused the President of violating Section 305(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which sets strict conditions under which a state of emergency can be declared—such as war, natural disasters, or a breakdown of law and order beyond the capacity of regular authorities.
“This declaration disregards the constitutional rights of Rivers people and undermines democratic principles. It is dangerously unconstitutional and reflects an abuse of power,” the letter stated.
The coalition described the move as an attempt to subvert the will of the people and consolidate federal power over a federating unit.
They demanded an investigation to identify those responsible for misleading the President and dragging Rivers into “political uncertainty.”
“We urge you to respect the autonomy of Rivers State and allow its democratic institutions to function without federal interference. The people of Rivers have a right to self-governance and to choose their leaders freely,” the letter concluded.
Leave a Reply