Port Harcourt, Nigeria - Ann-Kio Briggs, a Niger Delta human rights activist, has accused the Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok Ete Ibas, of exacerbating the political crisis he was purportedly sent to resolve. Briggs claims Ibas's actions are contrary to President Bola Tinubu's intentions when he appointed him to the position.
Tinubu appointed Ibas, former Chief of Naval Staff, as Administrator in March, after declaring a state of emergency and suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, amidst escalating tensions between Fubara and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike. The stated aim was to restore peace to the oil-rich state.
Speaking on Channels Television, Briggs alleged that Ibas is undermining this objective.
"First of all, I can assure you that he is pouring petrol on a fire Mr President believes that was on," she stated. "So, he was told to come and pour water on that fire, to quench it. Well, he has done nothing of the sort."
Briggs further claimed that Ibas has removed individuals "constitutionally and democratically in governance" without justification. She also alleged the removal of Governor Fubara's pictures from Government House, despite Fubara remaining the legitimate governor.
Briggs asserted that Ibas is presiding over violence and is unwelcome in Rivers State. She acknowledged the President's initial six-month timeframe for the state of emergency but suggested Tinubu could reverse the decision and restore the prior status quo.
The accusations come amidst rising tensions in Rivers State, with two groups of women holding rallies in Port Harcourt on Monday. One group voiced support for Ibas and the emergency rule, while the other, staging a protest partially unclothed, demanded Fubara's reinstatement.
