Loading...
IBAS SPEAKS ON COMPLETING MANDATE, RETURN TO DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN RIVERS STATE
4 months ago
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, worked under a federal mandate to restore order and prepare Rivers State for return to democratic governance.
Ibas Completes Mandate in Rivers State
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) was appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State on March 18, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
The move followed escalating political turmoil, including a six-month suspension of the state’s government. The elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were implicated in the suspension that aimed to restore order.
Ibas, a retired Chief of Naval Staff with extensive military and diplomatic experience, was tasked with stabilizing Rivers State. He was to oversee governance and conduct local government elections to restore democratic processes.
His appointment was pursuant to Section 305 (5) of the 1999 Constitution and was aimed at addressing persistent unrest. More so, to address attacks on oil installations in the oil-rich state.
Ibas on “Sufficiently Achieved” and Achieving “Tinubu’s Mandate in Rivers State”
Ibas’s stewardship saw the organization of local government elections and the subsequent swearing-in of elected officials. He cited this as “fulfilling his mandate” from President Tinubu. The elections marked a political shift with the All Progressives Congress (APC) winning 20 out of 23 local government areas.
This was the first time since 1999 that such a reorganisation was seen, although voter turnout was notably low amid widespread boycott. The election outcomes were significant as they paved the way for lifting the emergency rule and the reinstatement of the suspended government and assembly.
However, the administration was marred by controversy and accusations. Critics challenged the legitimacy of his appointment, arguing it undermined democratic governance.
Former gubernatorial aspirants and civil society groups condemned his appointment of local government administrators as unconstitutional. They stated that only democratically elected chairmen have constitutional recognition at the local level.
His defiance of court orders and poor engagement with legislative oversight committees further fueled skepticism. This further led to questions about his commitment to transparency and rule of law.
Various critics labeled his leadership as authoritarian, accusing him of partisanship and favoring political groups. This is believed to undermine public confidence.
Financial misconduct allegations have also surfaced against Ibas amid his tenure, with groups in the state raising alarms over large-scale financial irregularities.
Despite these challenges, supporters argued that Ibas brought calm and initiated critical projects. Some have credited him for helping stabilize Rivers during his tenure under emergency rule. Others commended his efforts to strengthen institutions amid a difficult political crisis.
Financial misconduct allegations is fueling debate about his performance. and the broader implications of the state of emergency in Rivers State.
See Also
Unharmed but Traumatized as the Welfare of the Returned Kidnapped Girls is Questioned
Twenty-four schoolgirls kidnapped from their boarding school in Kebbi State were reunited with authorities and families this week following a security operation.
The Niger school girls kidnap is prompting authorities to crank up security efforts. The girls appear largely unharmed but there is chance the trauma they experienced will go untreated with the record of Nigeria’s health system.
US Updates Social Media Screening for Nigerian Visa Applications
US social media screening for Nigerian visa applicants now means full disclosure of account usernames for the last five years is mandatory.
Posts, images, contacts, and groups are scrutinized for signs of fraud, security risks, or inconsistencies.
Popular Trends
JAMB Resit Results Scores Low and Unacceptable
The registrar Oloyede, said that the board is still in control and that there is nothing wrong with the pattern of the results released.
ECOWAS Common Currency, ECO, Plan Could Relaunch if Accelerated
The “relaunch” is more of a renewed push and political commitment, especially led by President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast and ECOWAS leadership, to achieve the Eco’s adoption by 2026 or 2027.
US Visa Restrictions for Nigeria Updated to Reduce Validity
Nigerians have gone from enjoying long-term, flexible access to the US to a regime of short, single-use visas with additional checks and higher costs. The main drivers are reciprocity and security concerns, marking a sharp policy shift in mid-2025 compared to the previous five years
New Tech Activities as Startup Incubation Picks Up the Pace in Nigeria With iDice
iDICE sits on top of an existing ecosystem that includes private and donor-backed incubators such as CcHub, Orange Corners Nigeria, Antler Lagos and others offering 6‑month programmes, grants, mentorship and investor links to founders in the 18–35 age bracket.
Ghana Agrees to Accept Nigerians Deported From the US
The government in Ghana is facilitating the logistical and administrative process to ensure the deportees return to their home countries safely and efficiently.
Still on the Topic
X
Unlock News Faster ...Sign Up
More Trending Topics
NLC Strike Against Turkish Airlines Leaves Nigerian Passengers Stranded
The Aviation Festus Keyamo has said that he is closely monitoring the ongoing negotiations between the NCAA, its affiliate and the Turkish Airline on the matter.
