By Christopher Sunday
A fresh wave of political tension is sweeping across Rivers State following the controversial actions of Ibok-Ete Ibas, the appointed sole administrator of the state, who has reportedly defied a standing court order by naming administrators for all 23 local government areas (LGAs) in the state.
Observers say this move marks a significant departure from the status quo in Rivers, a state long regarded as politically volatile but currently enjoying relative peace under Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Critics have warned that Ibas’ actions could destabilize the existing calm and ignite fresh power struggles in the region.
Political analyst Kenny Obiora, who has been vocal on the unfolding drama, has raised alarm over what he describes as the “true mission” of the sole administrator, suggesting that Ibas may not be a temporary actor but rather one positioned for long-term control.
According to Obiora, the sole administrator’s agenda may include:
1. Presenting the 2025 State Budget without recourse to the State House of Assembly.
2. Appointing Sole Administrators for all 23 LGAs.
3. Nominating a Deputy Sole Administrator to reinforce his authority.
4. Organizing Local Government elections and installing loyalists through the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
5. Handpicking Commissioners, Traditional Rulers, and Heads of Agencies, allegedly as a means to consolidate power, divert funds, and possibly funnel resources to his political godfather, Nyesom Wike.
“This man didn’t come to maintain peace. His mission is tactical, calculated, and dangerous,” Obiora said. “If Governor Fubara could almost be removed at gunpoint, then no one should rule out the possibility of this administrator being used in a similar scheme.”
He further warned that Ibok-Ete Ibas could become not only a threat to democratic governance in Rivers State but also a wildcard in the political equations of Wike and even President Bola Tinubu.
The developments have sparked concern among civil society groups and political stakeholders who fear the erosion of democratic institutions and a creeping authoritarianism under the guise of administrative control.
Despite public outcry, no formal statement has been issued by the presidency or the Ministry of Justice on the legality of the administrator’s appointments in the face of an existing court ruling.
As the drama unfolds, one thing appears certain: Rivers State is once again at the heart of Nigeria’s political turbulence — and the next few weeks could determine the fate of democratic stability in the oil-rich state.
