With the recent announcement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declaring an end to the emergency rule in Rivers State, public attention has now shifted towards the demand for a thorough probe into the six-month tenure of Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd), who served as the Sole Administrator during this period. LMSINT MEDIA reports that following the presidential directive, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Dr. Ngozi Odu, and the elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly officially resumed their respective offices on Thursday. It will be recalled that the state of emergency was initially imposed on March 18, 2025, leading to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all lawmakers. The drastic decision by President Tinubu was attributed to the prolonged political unrest that had destabilized peace and governance in the oil-rich state. Background of the Political Crisis in Rivers State The crisis stemmed from a bitter power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Their face-off created political instability, which necessitated federal intervention. During the period of emergency rule, President Tinubu successfully mediated peace talks between the two camps, paving the way for reconciliation. This truce, coupled with the successful conduct of the August 30 local government elections, allowed Tinubu to lift the emergency measures. However, while lawmakers have since reconvened, questions have been raised about the governor’s absence at the time of reporting, further fueling political speculations. Controversies Surrounding Fubara’s Suspension The declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of a democratically elected governor sparked nationwide debates. Critics, including legal experts and political analysts, argued that Tinubu’s decision contradicted Section 305 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended). Concerns were also raised about the Senate’s approval process. Stakeholders pointed out that the two-thirds majority vote of all 469 legislators, which is constitutionally required, was not adhered to. Instead, a voice vote was used—something the Supreme Court of Nigeria had previously ruled as unacceptable when a specific constitutional provision demands numerical voting. Adding to the controversy, leaders of the Ijaw Youth Council (Eastern Zone) took the matter to the ECOWAS Court of Justice, challenging what they described as the unlawful suspension of the Rivers governor. Despite these legal battles, both the Supreme Court and ECOWAS Court are yet to deliver their final judgments. Ibas’s Role and Public Statements During his tenure, Vice Admiral Ibas maintained that his core mandate was to restore stability in Rivers State. At a recent lecture in Port Harcourt themed “Good Governance and Democratic Dividends”, Ibas declared that the nearly two-year political turbulence had finally been brought under control. He credited the cooperation of political stakeholders and the successful execution of local government elections as proof of restored peace. The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), through its spokesperson Ikenga Chibike, also affirmed that peace had indeed returned, urging President Tinubu to officially end the emergency rule—a request that has now been granted. Calls for Probe of Ibas’s Administration Despite the return of stability, opposition parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have intensified calls for a probe into Ibas’s six-month administration. The Chairman of the Rivers ADC, Leader Sampson, demanded transparency and accountability, stressing that Ibas must provide detailed explanations of how the state’s finances were managed. “He needs to explain how much Rivers State generated internally, the federal allocations received, and exactly how these funds were utilized,” Sampson said in an interview. He further insisted that Nigerians deserve to know the specific projects executed and their costs. Resistance Against Probing Ibas On the other hand, PDP chieftain Austin Okai suggested that Governor Fubara might lack the political will to initiate a probe. According to him, investigating Ibas would indirectly mean investigating Nyesom Wike and, by extension, the federal government itself. Okai stated: “Probing Ibas is like probing Wike, and Fubara no longer has the capacity to take such a step. It could also be seen as a direct challenge to the authority of President Tinubu.” Rivers State House of Assembly Steps In Amidst these heated debates, the Rivers State House of Assembly has officially resolved to examine the state’s financial management under Ibas’s administration. Speaker Martins Amaewhule presided over the plenary session held at the temporary legislative quarters, as the main Assembly complex remains under reconstruction. The House has also called on Governor Fubara to submit a list of commissioner nominees for screening, signaling a gradual return to full democratic governance.
The decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinstate Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sparked heated reactions from political leaders, human rights activists, and legal practitioners across Nigeria. On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu imposed a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. During this period, Tinubu appointed retired military officer Ibok Ibas as the sole administrator of the state. However, in a national broadcast on September 17, 2025, Tinubu lifted the emergency and reinstated all suspended officials. He declared: “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and Speaker Martins Amaewhule with other Assembly members will resume work in their respective offices from September 18, 2025.” This reinstatement has drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders across the country. Wike Praises Tinubu’s Move as a Commitment to Democracy The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, lauded President Tinubu for restoring democratic governance in Rivers State. According to Wike, the president’s intervention reflects his dedication to peace, stability, and democratic values. Through his aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike noted that Tinubu’s decision restored the confidence of Rivers people in his leadership. He urged political stakeholders to work together for the collective progress of the state, cautioning fifth columnists and political opportunists against destabilizing the peace. “From Rivers State going forward, the only news that will emanate will be that of peace, progress, and development,” Wike assured. Atiku’s Camp Condemns Tinubu: “This is an Assault on Democracy” Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, through his media aide Paul Ibe, strongly criticized Tinubu’s suspension of Fubara, describing it as illegal and unconstitutional. Ibe argued that the president lacked the authority to suspend a democratically elected governor, adding that the action was part of a larger plot to weaken the opposition and force political alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC). “The president does not have that power and should not have arrogated it to himself. What he did was unconstitutional, and reinstating the governor does not change the illegality,” Ibe stated. He further alleged that Tinubu’s administration is systematically shrinking Nigeria’s democratic space, using state institutions to suppress dissent. Human Rights Lawyer: “Fubara Has Been Neutralized” Legal activist Maduabuchi Idam described the suspension and reinstatement of Fubara as a calculated political move to weaken the Rivers governor. According to Idam, Tinubu’s decision exposed dictatorial tendencies, as the president failed to address the real reasons behind the declaration of the emergency rule. “Fubara has been decimated and neutralized. He is now a puppet of the powers that control him. A local government chairman may even wield more influence,” Idam argued. The lawyer added that Fubara should have rejected his reinstatement to preserve his integrity and uphold democratic principles. Adeyanju: “Tinubu Has Dragged Nigeria Back to the Military Era” Prominent activist Deji Adeyanju also condemned Tinubu’s suspension of Fubara, calling it a dangerous precedent that undermines democracy. Adeyanju argued that Tinubu, once a leading voice against military dictatorship, has ironically adopted the same authoritarian style he fought against. “This is a sad throwback to military rule. The judiciary and opposition parties failed Nigerians by allowing this illegality to stand,” he lamented. Adeyanju also criticized the judiciary for failing to act decisively, insisting that the courts should have nullified the suspension immediately to protect Nigeria’s democracy. CUPP Welcomes Reinstatement but Condemns Emergency Rule The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) welcomed the end of the emergency but described its declaration as an unconstitutional overreach. CUPP maintained that suspending an elected governor, deputy governor, and state assembly members over political disagreements was a direct assault on democracy. According to the group, democracy can only thrive when the will of the people and the independence of institutions are respected. Conclusion The reinstatement of Governor Sim Fubara has further exposed the deep political divides within Nigeria. While some see Tinubu’s decision as a step toward peace, others describe it as evidence of authoritarian governance. The controversy surrounding Rivers State is a reminder of the fragile state of Nigeria’s democracy and the urgent need for stronger institutions to protect the people’s mandate.
Kindly Share:
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has successfully regained control of the political structure in Rivers State following his prolonged rift with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. On Saturday, Wike reestablished his dominance during the local government elections organized by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state. The polls marked a new chapter after months of political turmoil that destabilized Rivers politics. Background of the Political Crisis Last year, at the height of the Rivers State political conflict, Governor Fubara conducted a controversial local government election. His loyalists, running under the Action Peoples Party (APP), swept through the polls, securing victory in 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions. However, this victory was short-lived. On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court nullified the election after an appeal by the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a ruling delivered by Justice Jamilu Tukur, the apex court held that the election violated an earlier Federal High Court order, which had barred RSIEC from holding council elections until the voter register was updated. Suspension of Fubara and Tinubu’s Peace Deal As tensions escalated, President Bola Tinubu intervened on March 18, 2025, declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. He suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months in a bid to restore stability. A reconciliation meeting was later held at the Rivers State Government House, with President Tinubu brokering peace between Wike and Fubara. Reports confirmed that part of the agreement was to reinstate Wike’s loyalists into the local government system. This settlement eventually led to the fresh elections conducted last weekend. How Wike’s Loyalists Took Back Power Ahead of the new elections, Wike’s allies, many of them former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, defected to the APC faction led by Chief Tony Okocha. They secured APC tickets to contest for chairmanship positions, a move political analysts believe positions Wike to dominate both APC and PDP structures before the 2027 general elections. According to reports, candidates linked to Wike ran under the APC in 20 LGAs, while three contested on the PDP platform—particularly in Obio-Akpor (Wike’s base), Port Harcourt, and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni. Although official results were yet to be released, it was evident that Wike’s loyalists were in firm control. Fubara and His Supporters Boycott Polls Governor Fubara, who is expected to return to office on September 18, 2025, was absent during the exercise. His close allies, including Chief of Staff Edison Ehie and Secretary to the State Government Dr. Tammy Danagogo, also refrained from participating. The 23 former local government chairmen removed by the Supreme Court equally boycotted the polls, further clearing the path for Wike’s camp. One of Fubara’s loyalists, speaking anonymously, said there was “no need to waste time voting since the winners were already known.” He also revealed that Fubara, currently out of the country, accepted the power shift as part of the peace agreement with Wike and President Tinubu. According to him, “Governor Fubara believes peace is more important than holding on to power. He was willing to sacrifice even his position for stability in Rivers State. But it is unprecedented that a sitting governor can be suspended by the president.” Election Apathy and Voter Frustration Despite the political maneuvering, the election witnessed low voter turnout across Rivers State. By mid-morning in Obio-Akpor LGA’s Ward 17 Unit 054, no voter had shown up. Residents expressed frustration, alleging electoral malpractice. A voter, Wisdom Kagbara, claimed ballot papers were being thumb-printed for APC candidates. Another resident, Grace Agba, said most citizens did not see the need to vote, as results had allegedly been predetermined. Many described the exercise as “a selection, not an election,” criticizing the process as a waste of resources since Wike’s victory was seen as inevitable following the agreement brokered at the national level
Kindly Share:
Judith Amaechi, wife of Nigeria’s former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has firmly denied accusations made by the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that she received ₦4 billion each month from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for women’s training and empowerment programs. She dismissed the statement as “unfounded and ridiculous.” In a detailed rebuttal issued on her behalf, Mrs. Amaechi also condemned Wike’s claim that she was implicated in a corruption-related investigation involving the NDDC. She described the accusation as a calculated attempt at character assassination intended to gain political mileage. Both political figures — Wike and Rotimi Amaechi — have deep roots in the political landscape of Rivers State, an oil-producing region in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. The duo once shared similar affiliations, having each served as governor of the state. According to LMSINT MEDIA, Rotimi Amaechi governed Rivers State between May 2007 and May 2015. His tenure ended when Wike succeeded him and completed his own eight-year term in office. Since then, the once-cordial relationship between the two political heavyweights has deteriorated into open rivalry, often marked by public accusations and counter-accusations. In a recent interview aired in early July 2025, Nyesom Wike alleged that Mrs. Amaechi had received a total of ₦48 billion — ₦4 billion monthly — from the NDDC to fund empowerment programs for women in the region. However, responding through her spokesperson, Dike Bekwele, on Tuesday, Judith Amaechi denied ever receiving such funds from the NDDC. Bekwele insisted there was “no shred of truth” in Wike’s claim against Mrs. Amaechi or the NGO she founded, the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI). “Dame Judith Amaechi has neither received nor benefited from any ₦4 billion monthly allocation from the NDDC,” Bekwele clarified. He elaborated that ESI’s partnership with the NDDC was a mutual arrangement aimed at co-sponsoring human capital development programs, especially for youths and women in the Niger Delta. According to him, the initiative focused on boosting small business owners, including nano and micro enterprises, through capacity-building and entrepreneurship training. Bekwele criticized Wike’s remarks as not only misleading but also defamatory. He argued that there has been no official release of any forensic audit report from the NDDC indicting Mrs. Amaechi or ESI. “For Mr. Wike to publicly claim that ESI or Dame Judith was mentioned in a supposed NDDC forensic audit — which has yet to be made accessible to Nigerians — is completely reckless. The accusation is baseless, absurd, and clearly an invention of Wike’s imagination,” the statement read. Mrs. Amaechi, undeterred by the allegations, challenged Wike to present the version of the audit report that allegedly links her or her foundation to any form of misconduct. She maintained her innocence and urged the public to disregard what she termed politically motivated propaganda.
Kindly Share:
The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has once again visited the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a bid to mend their strained political relationship. According to verified information obtained by LMSINT MEDIA, Fubara visited Wike at his personal residence in Abuja on Monday. A close source, who preferred anonymity, confirmed the meeting to Daily Post, clarifying that a circulating image of the duo was outdated. “That photo is not recent, but I can confidently tell you that the governor visited the Minister this Monday,” the source stated. This visit appears to be another deliberate effort by Fubara to reconcile with his predecessor and ease the mounting political tension in Rivers State. Background of the Crisis Fubara’s governorship began on a contentious note shortly after taking office in 2023, following disagreements with Wike concerning political influence and resource control in the state. This power struggle soon extended to the Rivers State House of Assembly, leading to a division within the legislative body, with members aligning with opposing factions. Federal Government Intervention On March 18, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara for six months and imposed a state of emergency in Rivers State. As a precautionary response to threats from militant groups in the Niger Delta region—who vowed to sabotage oil facilities—the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator to maintain law and order during the period. Despite his suspension, Fubara has actively pursued peaceful resolutions. He has held private meetings with President Tinubu in London and Lagos, and also reached out to Wike on multiple occasions. In a recent development, Wike referred to Fubara as his “son” and emphasized the need for him to engage with other key political actors in Rivers State to ensure a total resolution of the crisis. However, there have been no confirmed reports of Fubara initiating dialogue with other prominent figures in the state as the suspension enters its third month.
Kindly Share:
Amid widespread speculations about his health, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was recently sighted enjoying a game of table tennis in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Wike, who has been the subject of false death rumors and health concerns on social media, was seen actively participating in a ping pong match at the residence of Senator Barry Mpigi. This public appearance comes as a strong rebuttal to the unverified reports circulating across various platforms. One controversial page, Biafra Reggae Music, falsely alleged that Wike had passed away. Other social media users claimed that the minister collapsed and was flown to France for urgent medical attention. These unsubstantiated rumors gained momentum shortly after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Sim Fubara and appointing a sole administrator. In response, Wike publicly refuted the claims, describing them as “baseless propaganda” aimed at undermining his political image. He remarked that he is “healthier than most of those spreading falsehoods” and attributed the misinformation to politically motivated sources. To reinforce this statement, Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, posted on Facebook: “FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, entered Port Harcourt this evening and went straight to the residence of Senator Barry Mpigi. Na there he go play Table Tennis. Make you wey never do medical tests in the last ten years dey there dey do social media adviser on health to other people.” The political tension between Wike and Governor Fubara has caused serious unrest within the Rivers State political structure. The conflict led to the suspension of 27 lawmakers, initially believed to have defected from the PDP to the APC. However, during court sessions, it was confirmed that no such defection occurred. The Supreme Court has since ordered their reinstatement, led by Martins Amaewhule, an ally of Wike. In recent developments, Governor Fubara attempted to resubmit the 2025 budget but was blocked by the reinstated assembly as the State Assembly Complex was locked. For verified updates on Nigerian political developments, visit The Guardian Nigeria. Related Articles on LMSINT: READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Kindly Share:
President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the interim administrator of Rivers State. This follows the declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich region amid an ongoing political crisis. Fubara and Family Leave Government House Shortly after the emergency rule was imposed, the former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, vacated the government house in Port Harcourt alongside his family and security personnel. Sources report that he left late Tuesday night following Tinubu’s proclamation, which suspended his administration for an initial six-month period. Security presence around the government house remains minimal, with only two Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) stationed at the entrance, accompanied by a small group of security operatives. As of Wednesday afternoon, normal activities continued in Port Harcourt, although many residents appeared unsettled by the sudden political shift. Tinubu’s Justification for Emergency Rule The political unrest in Rivers State stems from a prolonged power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The situation intensified following the defection of 27 lawmakers from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), exacerbating governance instability. In a national broadcast, President Tinubu defended his decision by citing constitutional breaches and security threats, invoking Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution to justify his emergency intervention (source). Who is Ibok Ibas? Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) previously served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. His appointment as Rivers State’s sole administrator is expected to restore order, with Tinubu emphasizing that the role is temporary and focused on governance continuity. Mixed Reactions to Tinubu’s Decision The appointment of a sole administrator has sparked nationwide debate. Critics argue that the suspension of an elected government undermines democracy. Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and other political figures have called on the National Assembly to intervene and reject what they describe as a constitutional violation. Despite the uncertainty, Rivers State citizens await further legislative deliberations by the House of Representatives and Senate, which have yet to make official statements regarding the emergency rule. Ibok Ibas Yet to Assume Office As of Wednesday, 12:50 PM, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas had yet to formally assume office. Reports indicate that preparations are underway at the government house, with military personnel present to facilitate his arrival. Meanwhile, Governor Fubara’s whereabouts remain unclear. Some sources suggest he may still be inside the government house, while others speculate that he has relocated to a discreet location to monitor the unfolding events. Conclusion The political crisis in Rivers State remains fluid, with stakeholders closely watching developments. As the Tinubu administration moves forward with its decision, attention now shifts to how the state legislature, judiciary, and citizens will respond to this unprecedented governance shift. For the latest updates on Rivers State’s political landscape, stay tuned to Vanguard News. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
