Rivers: Calls for Probe of Ibas as Emergency Rule Ends

 

 

Rivers: Calls for Probe of Ibas as Emergency Rule Ends

 

 

 

Following the end of the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, there are renewed calls for an investigation into the tenure of the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd).

 

Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly resumed office on Thursday, marking the official conclusion of the emergency period declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025.

 

The emergency rule, which temporarily suspended the governor, deputy governor, and state lawmakers, was instituted to address a prolonged political crisis arising from the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. During the period, President Tinubu facilitated a truce between the feuding parties.

 

Speaking at a public lecture in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Ibas stated that the core mandate of restoring peace and stability had been successfully achieved. “By the grace of God and with the cooperation of all stakeholders, stability has been restored to the state,” he said, noting the successful conduct of the recent local government elections.

 

Supporters of Ibas’ administration, including the Rivers State APC, also confirmed that peace had returned to the state.

 

However, opposition parties, notably the PDP, Labour Party (LP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have called for a thorough probe of Ibas’ stewardship. ADC Rivers State Chairman, Leader Sampson, urged that the Sole Administrator account for the management of state resources during his six-month tenure, including internally generated revenue and federal allocations.

 

Conversely, some political analysts argue that Governor Fubara may lack the political will to pursue the probe, suggesting that it could be viewed as challenging federal authority. PDP chieftain Austin Okai commented, “Probing Ibas is akin to probing Wike; Fubara may not have the political leverage for such a move.”

 

Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly has resolved to investigate the state’s finances during the emergency period and has called on Governor Fubara to submit the list of commissioner nominees for screening.

 

Speaker Martins Amaewhule presided over Thursday’s plenary, held at the legislative quarters, which is still under reconstruction following its demolition earlier this year.