Amid escalating protests in Rivers State, the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has issued a stern warning to demonstrators backing suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, saying they are “testing his will.”

Speaking through his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, Ibas expressed concern over the mounting protests, but emphasized his commitment to restraint despite the “sweeping powers” granted to him by the emergency gazette.

“The fact that people are able to protest speaks to the administrator’s level of tolerance,” said Igbikiowubo. “If you check the gazette declaring emergency rule, you will see that it grants the administrator sweeping powers. Yes, sweeping powers. But fortunately for Rivers residents, the administrator has exercised restraint.”

The state has been in political turmoil since President Bola Tinubu imposed emergency rule on March 18, suspending the Governor, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and state lawmakers. Ibas was appointed to oversee the state for six months.

Despite his calm approach, Igbikiowubo noted that “these protests, for whatever reason, are testing the administrator’s will,” urging residents to remain calm. “It is important that we allow a cool head to prevail at this time. All hands must be on deck to restore democratic institutions.”

In response to rising tensions, Ibas has reportedly begun engaging religious and civic leaders. “The administrator met with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the state today,” Igbikiowubo revealed. “They had lengthy discussions, and the CAN leadership provided advice on the way forward.”

Meanwhile, a coalition of prominent Rivers citizens has denounced the emergency rule, calling it unconstitutional and a “gross abuse of executive power.” In an open letter to President Tinubu, they demanded the reinstatement of Governor Fubara and other suspended officials.

“This action reflects a blatant disregard for the constitutional rights of the people of Rivers State,” the letter stated, warning that the move undermines Nigeria’s democracy and violates Section 305(3) of the 1999 Constitution.

The group urged an investigation into what they described as an illegal usurpation of power and called on the federal government to “respect the quasi-autonomy of Rivers State.”