Following President Bola Tinubu’s decision to end the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, there are growing demands for an investigation into the tenure of the Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas. With the suspension lifted, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly officially returned to office on Thursday.
President Tinubu had declared the emergency on March 18, 2025, suspending the state’s elected officials due to an extended political conflict that threatened peace and security. The dispute stemmed from a bitter rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the FCT.
During the emergency period, Tinubu facilitated reconciliation between both leaders. With peace gradually restored and the successful conduct of the August 30 local government elections, the President lifted the state of emergency on Wednesday.
Although the House of Assembly resumed legislative duties on Thursday, Governor Fubara had yet to make a public appearance at the time of reporting.
Legal Concerns Surrounding the Suspension
The initial suspension of the governor and declaration of emergency had sparked significant legal and constitutional controversy. Critics questioned the legality of suspending a democratically elected governor, arguing it violated Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. There were also disputes over whether the Senate secured the required two-thirds majority to approve the state of emergency. Some legal experts maintained that the use of voice votes did not meet the constitutional standard.
In protest, the Ijaw Youth Council (Eastern Zone) filed a case against the Federal Government at the ECOWAS Court of Justice on March 21, arguing the governor’s suspension was unlawful. The Supreme Court and ECOWAS Court have yet to deliver their judgments on the matter.
Claims of Peace and Stability
At a recent public lecture in Port Harcourt titled “Good Governance and Democratic Dividends,” Ibas claimed his administration achieved its core objective—restoring peace and stability to the state—with cooperation from all stakeholders. He pointed to the smooth conduct of local government elections as proof of progress.
His claims were echoed by APC spokesperson in Rivers State, Ikenga Chibike, who told BASEMEDIA that peace had returned to the state. Prior to Tinubu’s official announcement, Chibike expressed optimism that the emergency rule would be lifted soon, for the sake of the people.
Demand for Probe into Ibas’ Tenure
Despite these assurances, opposition parties, including the PDP, Labour Party (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), have called for an investigation into Ibas’ management of the state’s finances. They argue that accountability is necessary for his six-month period in office.
Leader Sampson, chairman of the Rivers ADC, told BASEMEDIA that Ibas must explain how state funds were used during his tenure. He called for transparency regarding internally generated revenue, federal allocations, and any projects undertaken.
Sampson said, “He should disclose how much was received and spent, the projects completed, and how funds were managed. If there’s nothing to hide, he should make that known.”
Political Hurdles to a Probe
However, some believe a probe is unlikely due to political implications. PDP chieftain Austin Okai argued that investigating Ibas could be seen as challenging both Wike and Tinubu’s administration, a move he claims Governor Fubara lacks the political strength to pursue.
“There’s nothing wrong with a probe, but Fubara doesn’t have the political will. It would be like going against his political benefactor and even the presidency,” Okai said.
Assembly Launches Investigation
Despite this, the Rivers State House of Assembly has resolved to investigate the financial activities of Ibas’ administration. During Thursday’s plenary session—held in a temporary conference hall while the Assembly building undergoes reconstruction—Speaker Martins Amaewhule urged Governor Fubara to submit a list of commissioner nominees for confirmation.
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