A coalition of 17 civil society organizations (CSOs) in Rivers State has formally petitioned the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the ongoing political crisis in the state, accusing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), the state’s Sole Administrator, of aggravating the turmoil by acting under the influence of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The petition, dated April 16, 2025, and addressed to the committee chairman, alleges that Ibas’s administration has been marked by “severe, provocative and brazen acts of lawlessness and impunity,” which contradict the constitutional principles underpinning the emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025.
The CSOs contend that Ibas has dismantled democratic governance structures in Rivers State, operating without the approval of the House Committee and instead following directives from Wike, a key political figure and former governor of the state. They warn that this alignment has worsened the political crisis rather than resolving it.
“We wish to humbly bring to your attention the severe, provocative and brazen acts of lawlessness and impunity which are being executed on a daily basis by the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.),” the petition states. “These actions have been worsening and aggravating the political crises in Rivers State.”
The CSOs further accuse Ibas of reckless financial mismanagement, stating that over N100 billion of state funds have been expended without any tangible development or accountability. They describe the spending as “reckless, irresponsible and uncontrollable,” carried out without adherence to due processes.
Moreover, the petitioners express concern over Ibas’s failure to engage political stakeholders or initiate peace efforts among the warring factions in the state. “It is a matter of great worry and regret that since his appointment, the State Administrator has not made any genuine attempt and effort to consult the warring gladiators in the Rivers State crises in order to secure peace and reconciliation between them,” the document adds.
The coalition also accuses Ibas of openly favoring Wike’s faction in government appointments and administrative decisions, describing him as “simply playing out his script prepared by them,” a stance they say is unacceptable to the majority of Rivers people.
The CSOs have urged the House Committee to take urgent action to restore democratic governance, ensure accountability, and reverse the suspension of political appointees and statutory institutions dissolved or altered by Ibas.
In response to circulating rumors, Ibas has denied summoning suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, for any probe or meeting, labeling such reports as fake news intended to destabilize the state. The Rivers State Government has urged the public to rely on official communication channels to avoid misinformation.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight has formally invited Ibas to appear before it for a comprehensive session to assess the situation in the state. The committee, inaugurated by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, aims to monitor the caretaker administration’s adherence to constitutional provisions and ensure the peaceful restoration of democratic governance.
The political crisis in Rivers State has also sparked protests, with groups like the Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group demanding the removal of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, citing alleged bias in handling peaceful demonstrations. They have called for an end to the emergency rule and the reinstatement of the suspended governor and his deputy.
As the crisis deepens, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on Rivers State, with calls for transparency, accountability, and a peaceful resolution growing louder. The House of Representatives’ intervention and the CSOs’ petition underscore the urgent need for dialogue and democratic restoration in the oil-rich state.
