Tag: Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd), conducted an inspection over the weekend of the Emohua and Ikwerre local government secretariats, which were damaged during the recent crisis in the state.

Ibas also assessed the vandalized infrastructure at the Rumueche Community General Hospital in Emohua, which has been completely damaged and left overgrown with weeds, as well as the Isiokpo Zonal Hospital, in a similarly deteriorated state.

Ibas stated that he would continue to gather critical information and assess the conditions of existing infrastructures to properly plan necessary interventions. 

He noted that, after receiving reports from the permanent secretaries of various ministries, he felt it important to carry out on-the-ground evaluations of the affected areas.

Read Also: Real reasons Tope Alabi refused to perform at Liz Anjorin’s surprise birthday party

The Administrator said: “We have a lot of projects that are ongoing, which we had the opportunity of looking at. You can also recall that there are some challenges that, over the past months, have cropped up. I also needed to see firsthand what the state of affairs are.

“Having gone out, I think I will now go back and see how best we can address the challenges, while we continue to encourage the contractors that are handling the projects to make sure that they keep to the terms of the contract.”

Ibas emphasized the importance of peace and collaboration as vital to achieving progress, fostering a stable and prosperous state. 

“A peaceful state brings prosperity to all of us. Not just those from within the state, but Nigeria, and I think we all have to work together to make sure that we make the state a place we love to be,” he said.

…Senate committee visits Rivers administrator 

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas, has assured that the process to develop a new budget for the state is transparent and all-inclusive.

Ibas also solicited requisite legislative backing from the Senate to enable his administration achieve the enunciated programmes of action.

He said the programmes would ensure uninterrupted socioeconomic activities and the provision of vital infrastructures to support societal and economic growth, boost productivity, facilitate access to essential services and ultimately provide quality living for the people. 

 Ibas spoke when the Senate Committee on Works, led by its chairman, Senator Barinada Mpigi, paid him a courtesy visit to Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.

The committee was accompanied by a delegation of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, led by the managing Director, Dr Peer Lubasch.

Ibas said their visit demonstrated the commitment of the National Assembly to the wellbeing of Rivers and her people.

He said his administration had continued to address issues of insecurity, and the infrastructural challenges critical to development.

Ibas said: “We are in the process of putting together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, as well as the continued infrastructural development of our state. 

“We have worked diligently to ensure that this process is transparent, inclusive, and most importantly, expediting.  

The new budget, which is nearing finalisation, focuses on creating job opportunities and investing in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology.

“As we moved forward with these initiatives, we need your continued support to help us secure necessary resources and legislative backing to bring them to fruition. Your partnership is critical to our success in ensuring that Rivers State remains on the path of progress and enduring peace for future generations.”

Ibas further emphasized the prime position of Rivers in the economy of the country. 

He said: “Rivers State, the treasure base of the nation and a key economic hub of the nation is home to vital infrastructure including roads, bridges, sea and air ports, oil and gas facilities, a Petro-chemical company, refineries and other essential facilities.

“However, as in most states of the nation, we are faced with challenges of maintaining and expanding these infrastructure due to various factors, including but not limited to resource constraints.”

The administrator requested their cooperation in securing the necessary federal support for infrastructural projects in the state. 

He said: “You have listed most of the projects that are ongoing presently. These include both financial backing and the facilitation of speedy execution of federal projects that will contribute to our state’s growth.

“Your continued advocacy within the National Assembly will be instrumental in ensuring that Rivers State receives the attention and resources needed to succeed.”

 Ibas explained that since assumption of office on the 20 of March, 2025, he had prioritised the restoration of peace and stability in Rivers.

He said the efforts had so far been focused on creating a conducive environment for investment, development and prosperity. 

Read Also: Rivers preparing new budget, Ibas tells National Assembly Caucus

Ibas said: “We have engaged in productive consultation with key stakeholders, such as civil society organizations, traditional rulers, Local Government Heads, government officials and civil servants to restore the trust and stability needed for sustainable progress.

“I believe that with your support and continued collaboration, we can transform Rivers State into a model of peace, prosperity and development. Together, we can overcome the challenges we face and create a future that is bright for all our people.”

In his address, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi, said they were in the state to oversee some ongoing federal projects like the Bodo-Bonny link road and bridge, and the costal road project, which he said was 40 per cent complete and would benefit the state.

Mpigi said the state of emergency had played an intervention role in Rivers and urged the Administrator to do his best secure critical infrastructures, lives and properties of residents.

• Confirms release of withheld allocation

• Holds marathon confidence-building meetings

• Asks traditional rulers to de-escalate tension

• Emergency will bring peace, says Akpabio

• Legal expert backs Tinubu, slams critics

Rivers State Sole Administrator Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas (rtd) yesterday confirmed that the federal government had released the withheld revenue allocations of local governments and the state.

He accordingly directed the immediate payment of outstanding salaries of councils’ employees.

Ibok, who spoke during a meeting with Heads of Local Government Administration and the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), said he was concerned about the hardship faced by workers in the councils, who had been owed their salaries for February and March.

He also met with traditional rulers on a day Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the Red Chamber was guided by the constitution in endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s imposition of state of emergency on the state.

Ibas, during his meeting with the LG officials, said the councils’ monthly allocations for February and March were withheld on the strength of the February 28, 2025 judgment of the Supreme Court which annulled the local government council elections of 5th October, 2024.

Ibas said: “I sincerely feel the pain of these workers, many of whom have endured months of financial strain. Let me assure that the withheld allocations have now been released, and I hereby issue a directive that all the necessary steps be taken to ensure that these salaries are paid with no further delay.

“As leaders we must feel the pains of our people and offer them a more positive, inclusive and transformative leadership. This is the mandate I have accepted and it is the standard I expect from all of you.”

He directed the LGs to furnish him with their wage bills to enable him “acquaint myself with the situation as this will enable me deal with such matter.’

All such submissions, according to him, should be supported with relevant documents.

Ibas promised to promote the culture of transparency and accountability.

He warned against reckless spending of public funds at the local government levels.

He declared: “My administration will not tolerate any form of recklessness, abuse of office or misuse of public funds. Henceforth, there must be accountability and value for money.

“I have just six months, but we must ensure that the people of Rivers State deserve to see how their money is used, and it is our duty to ensure that every kobo is accounted for.”

Ibas said he was already working out the necessary modalities that would ensure effective monitoring of accountability, due process and zero tolerance for recklessness in the handling of public funds across all local government areas.

He emphasised that no efforts would be spared in taking decisive actions against anyone found wanting in financial dealings at the local government councils.

He said: We will ensure that every decision we make, every policy we implement and every action we take is guided by the principles of transparency, accountability and service to the people.”

In his remarks, President of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Rivers State chapter, Clifford Paul, who is also the Head of Local Government Administration of Port Harcourt Local Government Council, thanked the Sole Administrator for directing the immediate payment of the outstanding salaries.

Read Also; Rivers crisis and the perils of unwisdom

He said the political conflicts created much tension but expressed the hope that with the sole administrator in the saddle, greater peace would be achieved for the state, and pledged their unalloyed support to that course.

Ibas, during his meeting with traditional rulers, promised to utilise their indispensable wisdom, influence and leadership in the collective efforts to de-escalate tension, foster unity and build the needed trust among Rivers people.

The Sole Administrator said it was regrettable that the crisis in the state had hampered law and order.

 He described Rivers as not only a democratic state but also the heart of Niger Delta and a major contributor to the mainstay of the nation’s economy that must not be allowed to continue to suffer.

Ibas said he was wholly committed to restoring sense of pride, honour and security of residents in the state and urged traditional rulers to shun partisanship and encourage healthy dialogue that should foster peace in their various domains.

He urged them to shun “any action that does not promote economic good. Therefore, you are expected to report any forms of illegality or abuse to relevant authority.”

In his speech, the Chairman of Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, described the appointment of Ibas as commendable, saying he had become the peacemaker that must sufficiently address the conflict that had lingered for a while.

Eze Worlu-Wodo pledged that the traditional rulers would work with him cooperatively while remaining true to their avowed responsibility of sustaining efforts that would engender peace, stability and progress in their domains and the entire state.

State of emergency ‘ll broker peace – Akpabio

Akpabio, speaking in Calabar yesterday, said the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers would help restore peace among the warring factions.

The occasion was his induction into the University of Calabar (UNICAL) Hall of Fame as part of the institution’s 50th Anniversary and 37th Convocation Ceremony.

The Senate President was inducted alongside the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, a former minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Betta Edu, and a business mogul, Chief Chukwuemeka Egwuonwu.

While noting that President Bola Tinubu’s action on Rivers was guided by the constitution, Akpabio promised to continually contribute his quota to the development of his alma mater.

Recalling with nostalgia his journey as a student in UNICAL, Akpabio said:  “I have a brand new bus for the Faculty of Law and another for the Student Union Government (SUG) of this university.

“Since I am a former speaker of the SUG. I encourage you to take your education seriously and to support the growth of education and the university. I dedicate this award to God.”

On his part, the deputy speaker of the house, who presented the convocation lecture, said that universities in the country must go beyond theory as part of efforts to address the nation’s challenges.

He insisted that education would not be complete “if the town does not feel the impact of the gown.”

The lecture was entitled: “Our Gowns in Town and in Cyber Space: Sustainable and Human Centered Education, the Mandate of Our Universities, 2025 to 2075.”

According to him, universities are established as engines of progress and must go beyond theory. Our education is incomplete if the town does not feel the impact of our gown.

“Education is not about acquiring knowledge but acquiring it to shape society.

” As we approach 2075, our education must have meaningful societal impact.”

Northern Elders warns FG against political vendetta in Rivers crisis

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) cautioned the Federal Government against engaging in political vendetta over the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.

The forum said while the President is empowered by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to declare a state of emergency, such action must be justified by specific conditions outlined in the law.

NEF spokesperson, Prof. Abubakar Jika Jiddere, said the ability to resolve political disputes through negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and adjudication is a hallmark of democratic maturity.

Jiddere said: “Subject to the provision of this constitution, the President may by instrument published in the official gazette of the Government of the Federation issue a proclamation of a state of emergency in the Federation or any part thereof.

“However, the President can only do so, if and only if, any of the conditions stated in subsection 3 of Section 305 actually occurs, which includes war, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, clear and present danger, disaster or natural calamity, other public danger, or a request from the Governor of the State.

“It is public knowledge and indisputable fact that none of these conditions actually happened in Rivers State. Except perhaps for personal vendetta in alliance with the President’s serving Federal Minister of the FCT and the immediate past Governor of Rivers State who has been in personal conflict with the suspended Governor for selfish interests rather than public good.

“The maintenance of peace, public order and corporate existence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria cannot be compromised on personal aggrandizement, and should be the primary concern of each Nigerian.

 “As such any form of disturbance in any part of the country will have a serious negative tendency and impact on the whole country.

“The Federal Government and the President in particular must find a viable and permanent solution to the political crisis in Rivers State,  and also immediately lift the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor and State Assembly to restore the spirit of democracy, justice and public order.”

NEF urged the Federal Government to prevent the escalation of political disputes in other states, particularly in Kano, where tensions continue over the traditional leadership of the Kano Emirate.

Prevention better than cure — Arewa Think Tank

Another northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT) hailed President Tinubu for his intervention in Rivers State, saying prevention of a larger crisis that loomed over the state was better than curing it.

The group, however, advised President Tinubu to meet with the warring parties within the period of the state of emergency for a firm reconciliation before the suspension is formally lifted.

Chief Convener of ATT, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, said it would not have been proper to declare a state of emergency in the middle of the crisis, but it was wise that the looming trouble was stopped in its infancy.

To this end, Arewa Think Tank praised Senate President Akpabio for approving the emergency rule after majority of the senators supported it through voice votes.

“So for us at Arewa Think Tank, President Tinubu has taken the best action by imposing state of emergency on Rivers State. By doing so, he has saved the state from the looming anarchy, bloodshed and economy sabotage through vandalization and destruction of our oil and gas facilities in that state.

“So people should stop blaming Mr. President,” the group said.

“Nigerians must learn to appreciate their leaders who are taking decisions for national interest rather than personal interests because the approval of the emergency rule is for the national interest and progress.

“We also know that the senators unanimously agreed to approve the proclamation of the state of emergency in Rivers as parts of its constitutional power in line with section 305 (2)

“The Senate invokes the powers conferred on it by Section 305 (2) of the 1999 Constitutional Referral Report of Nigeria as amended and approves the proclamation of state of emergency declared by Mr. President in Rivers State of Nigeria.

“The Senate further directs that the declaration of the state of emergency stated in the proclamation documents and demands of Mr. President to review and even to terminate the state of emergency at any given time, but not later than six months.

“Therefore, we want to advise here that there should be a committee to reconcile Fubara and Wike, and other warring groups within the State before the expiration of the suspension.

“This committee to reconcile the warring factions in Rivers State should consist of eminent Nigerians, persons of timber and caliber,” the statement said.

Arewa Think Tank further went down memory lane, recalling that the political crisis in Rivers State was specifically caused by a feud between factions loyal to Mr Fubara and those aligned with Mr Wike.

“The disagreement led to threats of impeachment and a split within the state’s legislative body with a majority loyal to Mr Wike, while others stood with Mr Fubara.

“It got intense when some 27 lawmakers loyal to Mr Wike announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while the four loyal to Mr Fubara got a court order which paved the way for them to control the state assembly.

“In December 2023, Mr Fubara demolished the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, although he gave a different reason for demolishing the building.

“Mr. Fubara, subsequently, presented the state’s 2024 budget proposal to the four-member assembly which had their sitting in the Rivers Government House.

“The matter was taken to the Supreme Court which ruled, on 28 February, against Mr Fubara and ordered him to acknowledge the 27 members loyal to Mr Wike as valid House of Assembly members and treat them as such.

“The court also ruled that proper democratic and constitutional governance be restored in Rivers. It also ordered the immediate submission of the state’s budgets to the House of Assembly controlled by the 27 lawmakers.

“The impeachment process against governor Fubara went through second reading at the State Assembly, causing tension of insecurity in the State. So we could imagine the kind of crisis that would have erupted if the governor was impeached. The imposition of emergency rule is better.”