A fresh wave of political turbulence has hit Rivers State as loyalists of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara raise the alarm over what they term “lopsided and provocative” appointments made by the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), in the wake of the ongoing leadership crisis.
The Sole Administrator controversial appointments, announced Thursday, include the administrators of all 23 local government areas, a new chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, and new heads of the Civil Service Commission and Local Government Service Commission.
Supporters of Governor Fubara have strongly condemned the decisions, asserting that the appointees are loyalists of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, the governor’s political rival and predecessor. They argue that the appointments violate principles of fairness and neutrality expected of a transitional government.
Leading the opposition is the Initiative for Transparency, Strategy and Good Leadership, whose President-General, Chizi Enyi, described the appointments as unconstitutional and an act capable of worsening the already fragile peace in the state.
“Rather than act as a stabilizing force, the sole administrator has thrown his weight behind one side of the divide,” Enyi said during a press briefing in Port Harcourt. “He hasn’t initiated any peace talks or reconciliation processes. Instead, he has moved forward with a wave of appointments that are clearly skewed.”
Enyi further linked the sudden appointments to Wike’s recent visit to Rivers State, hinting that it may have influenced Ibas’ decisions behind the scenes.
Echoing this concern, the Rivers Emancipation Movement, a grassroots civic group, issued a stern warning, demanding a reversal of the appointments. Its National President, Solomon Tamunotonye, insisted that most of the appointed LG administrators were well-known allies of Wike.
“There are numerous apolitical, competent professionals in Rivers who could have been appointed. Instead, we’re seeing loyalists recycled into key positions, undermining any attempt at political neutrality,” Tamunotonye asserted.
He added that if the Sole Administrator appointments are not reversed, mass protests across the state would follow. “The Sole Administrator’s job is to manage this transition fairly, not to entrench partisan influence,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the governor’s Special Adviser on Electronic Media, Jerry Omatsogunwa, criticized a growing pattern of federal interference. He said this pattern is aimed at destabilizing the state.
“It’s unfortunate that a state of emergency was even contemplated in Rivers while larger crises persist nationwide. The appointments show no regard for balance or inclusion,” Omatsogunwa said, pointing fingers at the All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly orchestrating a political takeover of the state.
He also accused the sole administrator of acting on behalf of a narrow interest group, rather than pursuing reconciliation.
Conversely, a prominent Wike supporter, Chimene Wodi, defended the appointments, stating that some of the new officials are retired civil servants and nonpartisan professionals chosen to restore order and governance in the state.
“The Sole Administrator has been acting within the framework agreed upon during the peace accord initiated by President Tinubu. Governor Fubara failed to comply with the terms of the accord, particularly on legislative matters,” Wodi said.
He added that the Supreme Court ruling, which outlined the erosion of functional governance in Rivers, necessitated the President’s intervention.
“Let’s be clear: the President, the National Assembly, and the judiciary are involved. The sole administrator is not acting unilaterally. He is working in tandem with constitutional authorities to stabilize governance,” Wodi emphasized.
He also criticized the Fubara camp for allegedly communicating with the Assembly through unofficial channels. Such actions showed a lack of respect for legal protocol.
The ongoing power tussle has wider implications beyond state politics. Analysts believe this federal intervention may set a dangerous precedent. Its strategic appointment of a sole administrator could erode trust. The handpicking of administrators might destabilize democratic institutions.
Observers and civil society groups have called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure impartiality. They demand he handle the crisis fairly. Dialogue between the opposing factions must be promoted.
“The President must act as a true father of the nation and not allow political expediency to override justice. Rivers deserves peace, and that can only happen through inclusive governance,” said Chijioke Nnamani, spokesperson for the Civil Rights Observatory.
As the drama unfolds, all eyes remain fixed on Rivers State. Public confidence in the transition process is waning. Tensions are threatening to spill into unrest. The sole administrator’s next steps will determine whether calm returns or chaos deepens.