…Sole Administrator Threatens Clampdown Over Continued Demonstrations for Fubara’s Reinstatement
Rivers State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has issued a stern warning to protesters demanding the reinstatement of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, declaring that he will not hesitate to wield the “sweeping powers” granted to him under the emergency rule if the demonstrations persist.
In a statement released Thursday by his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, Ibas expressed concern over what he described as “intermittent protests” that threaten public order, warning that his patience should not be mistaken for weakness.
“The fact that people are able to protest speaks to the administrator’s level of tolerance,” the statement read. “If you check the gazette declaring emergency rule, you will see that it grants the administrator sweeping powers. But fortunately for Rivers residents, the administrator has exercised restraint.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, suspending Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the State House of Assembly, citing political instability and security threats. Ibas was appointed Sole Administrator for an initial six-month period, a move that sparked nationwide debate and repeated protests in Port Harcourt and beyond.
While asserting his authority, Ibas urged residents to embrace dialogue and unity. “Peace and restoration of democratic institutions in the state will not be achieved through protests, harassment, or attempts to intimidate the administrator,” he said, adding that he remains committed to a peaceful resolution.
He disclosed that he has begun engaging stakeholders to chart a path forward, including a recent meeting with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state. “They had lengthy discussions, and the CAN leadership provided advice on the way forward and the things they would like to see done,” Igbikiowubo said.
As tensions continue to simmer, the administrator’s latest warning appears to signal a readiness to escalate enforcement—should protesters ignore his call for restraint.
