PORT HARCOURT — Former Omuma Local Government Chairman, Promise Reginald, has accused Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), of undermining democracy, acting with impunity, and showing open bias in the state’s political crisis.
Speaking on Arise TV, Promise alleged that Ibas, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in March to restore peace in the state, has instead derailed from his mandate, dismantling local structures and unilaterally appointing loyalists—including a first cousin of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike—to key positions.
“Democracy has been killed and buried in Rivers State,” Promise declared.
“The Sole Administrator has acted more like an unelected governor, dismantling structures put in place by the elected governor.”
ACCUSATIONS OF ILLEGAL ELECTION MOVES
Promise expressed outrage over the dissolution of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and the announcement of new local government appointees without constitutional authority.
“As a matter of law, the Sole Administrator has no power to conduct elections or appoint chairmen,” he said.
“This is pure impunity. I am sure the President is not aware of what’s happening.”
He further alleged that these actions are a deliberate provocation meant to incite resistance from Governor Fubara’s supporters, which could then be used as grounds for federal crackdown.
‘THIS IS NOT A MILITARY REGIME’
Calling out what he described as a dangerous abuse of power, Promise questioned whether Rivers State was still operating under constitutional democracy.
“Are we in a full-blown military regime? If that’s the case, tell us so we can go home and sleep.”
He called for inclusive dialogue between the camps of Governor Fubara and Minister Wike, urging the Sole Administrator to act as a neutral mediator—not a political enforcer.
BACKDROP: STATE OF EMERGENCY AND FEDERAL TAKEOVER
Vice Admiral Ibas was appointed Sole Administrator following a state of emergency declaration in March, amid escalating tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor Wike, now Minister of the FCT.
The move has drawn widespread condemnation, with critics alleging the federal government is siding with Wike in a bid to seize control of Rivers politics.
“The Sole Administrator must remember his mission here is not to serve one group,” Promise warned.
