Rivers: Ibas Vows To Exit Office As Fubara’s Return Nears

Rivers: Ibas Vows To Exit Office As Fubara’s Return Nears.
Fubara’s return on September 18 raises doubts about his political strength.
Local government elections conducted show commitment to restoring democracy.

As Governor Siminalayi Fubara prepares to return to the Rivers State Government House on September 18, the State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has dismissed claims that he is lobbying for an extension of the emergency rule in the state.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Fubara has been out of office since March 18, 2025, when President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following political unrest and alleged militant attacks on oil facilities. His reconciliation with his predecessor and political godfather, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, has further reshaped the state’s political landscape. Both men’s support groups—“Simplified Family” loyal to Fubara and “Wikematics” loyal to Wike—have been dissolved, raising questions about the governor’s political strength upon his return.

Addressing reports of an alleged plan to prolong his stay in office, Ibas’s media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, told Sunday Punch that the administrator is focused on completing his tenure and ensuring continuity in governance.

“When you have a construction project ongoing and the contractor has been mobilised, there is a limit to how much you can push. You can only hope that the project proceeds apace,” Igbikiowubo said, stressing that the administrator is not seeking to remain in office beyond the stipulated period.

He added that Ibas’s commitment to democratic transition was evident in the conduct of the recent local government elections, which were approved by the National Assembly and overseen by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

“We are firmly committed to exiting office, which is why RSIEC was allowed to conduct the local government elections to restore democracy at that level,” he said.

FURTHER READING