The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (Rtd.), made his first official appearance at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday, weeks after his controversial appointment following a federal declaration of emergency in the state.
Held at the State House in Abuja, the NEC gathering saw Ibas sit alongside state governors and high-level stakeholders in a session that many viewed as symbolic — signaling the Federal Government’s intent to reinforce his authority amid growing political turbulence.
This marked Ibas’ inaugural participation in the council since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025 — an unprecedented move that led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, and the entire House of Assembly for six months.
FAKE NEWS DENIAL AMID POLITICAL TURMOIL
In a bold move to reassert control over public discourse, Ibas recently dismissed viral reports alleging he had summoned the ousted Governor Fubara and his deputy for a meeting on Friday, April 18. Describing the news as “false, misleading, and intentionally designed to incite panic,” the retired Naval Chief warned the public against consuming or spreading politically weaponized disinformation.
Observers note that Ibas’ sharp rebuke comes as tensions continue to rise in the state, with residents and civil rights groups questioning both the legality and the long-term consequences of federal intervention.
FROM NAVY TO NEC: IBAS’ CONTROVERSIAL RISE
A decorated military officer and former Chief of Naval Staff (2015–2021), Ibas was handpicked by President Tinubu to steer the state through a six-month emergency period. Under the terms of his appointment, Ibas is restricted from making new laws but is authorized to enact interim regulations subject to Federal Executive Council approval.
While President Tinubu defended the emergency rule as a necessary response to escalating political instability and security threats in Rivers, the fallout has been fierce.
LEGAL STORM BREWING
The Nigerian Bar Association and several constitutional experts have condemned the president’s actions, warning that the removal of democratically elected leaders — even during a state of emergency — violates the 1999 Constitution. Legal challenges are now mounting in federal courts, with some describing the scenario as a test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience.
Critics argue that placing a single unelected figure in charge of a state sets a dangerous precedent, potentially paving the way for future executive overreach in other volatile regions.
UNCERTAIN ROAD AHEAD
As Rivers State navigates this constitutional gray zone, one thing is clear: the political crisis has now moved from the creeks of Port Harcourt to the corridors of Abuja.
Vice Admiral Ibas may have taken his seat at the NEC table, but questions around legitimacy, transparency, and accountability still loom large. Whether his leadership will bring stability or deepen division remains to be seen — and all eyes are now fixed on what unfolds next.
