Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has issued a stern warning to political agitators and alleged mischief-makers testing the limits of his administration amid the ongoing state of emergency in the state.
Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, Ibas dismissed accusations of high-handedness and impunity leveled against him by civil society organizations (CSOs), insisting that his administration has shown “restraint of the highest order.”
“The administration’s will is being sorely tested,” Igbikiowubo said in an interview with The PUNCH. “We have had mischief-makers spreading misinformation… and unfortunately, some publications ran with it.”
The comments follow a petition by a coalition of 35 CSOs to the National Assembly, accusing Ibas of violating democratic norms.
In their joint statement, the coalition described his conduct as “reckless and unconstitutional,” alleging he used federal authority to suppress institutions and public officers.
“The conduct of Vice Admiral Ibas is… a slap in the face of democratic values,” the coalition declared, urging the National Assembly to investigate and restore democratic governance in the state.
Igbikiowubo countered the claims, noting that “many CSOs engage in sweeping advocacy” and adding that “if they allege high-handedness, I would say that is far-fetched.”
He also addressed allegations of protest suppression, attributing any incidents to “overzealous officers,” not directives from Ibas. “The administrator has issued express orders not to muzzle anyone,” he maintained.
Critics, including former Labour Leaders Forum and the ‘Simplified Queens’—a coalition of women leaders from Rivers’ 23 LGAs—have condemned the emergency rule and Ibas’ appointment, calling it a violation of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
“The suspension of Governor Fubara and the appointment of a sole administrator undermine federalism, violate the Constitution, and set a dangerous precedent,” said Iheoma Nwankwo of the ‘Simplified Queens’.
The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, which was scheduled to meet Ibas on April 17, postponed the session following his request to reschedule.
Akin Rotimi, House spokesman, confirmed the adjournment, saying, “In the spirit of transparent and effective oversight, the committee will inform the public once the rescheduled date is confirmed.”
Despite the growing criticism, Igbikiowubo emphasized that Ibas remains focused on restoring order: “This administration is focused on restoring democracy and needs the support of all well-meaning citizens.”
