Hector Igbikiowubo, the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Rivers State Sole Administrator, has stated that the gazette imposing emergency rule in the state granted the sole administrator “sweeping powers.”
He issued a warning to supporters of Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended Governor asking them to exercise cautions in light of ongoing protests against the state’s sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.).
While speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Igbikiowubo described the continued protests by Fubara’s supporters as a test of Ibas’s resolve.
He also emphasised that the sole administrator had chosen to exercise cautions rather than use the broad powers granted to him by the gazette.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu had earlier on March 18 imposed a state of emergency on Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy,Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the state lawmakers for six months.
The president then appointed Ibas to run the state during the six-month period. But the emergency rule declared by the President has been generating controversies, with many pro-Fubara groups staging protest rallies in the state capital, Port Harcourt.
Igbikiowubo while reacting to the situation on Tuesday, said, “The fact that people are able to protest speaks to the administrator’s level of tolerance. If you check the gazette declaring emergency rule, you will see that it grants the administrator sweeping powers.
Yes, sweeping powers. But fortunately for Rivers residents, the administrator has exercised restraint.”
He continued, “These protests, for whatever reason, are testing the administrator’s will.
We urge Rivers residents to be restrained. It is important that we allow a cool head to prevail at this time. All hands must be on deck to restore democratic institutions.”
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In addition, he stressed that the restoration of institutions in the state will not be achieved through protests, harassment, or attempts to intimidate the administrator. “Such actions are unnecessary,” he added.
Igbikiowubo further confirmed that as part of his peace-building efforts, Ibas has been engaging with various stakeholder groups in the state.
“The administrator met with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the state today (Tuesday). They had lengthy discussions, and the CAN leadership provided advice on the way forward and the things they would like to see done. This meeting took place at the administrator’s initiative, and he is making arrangements to meet with other important stakeholders in the state,” Igbikiowubo said.
These engagements according to him, reflect Ibas’s commitment to restoring democracy in Rivers State.
“This speaks to his preparedness, his mindset. He is fully committed to restoring democracy in Rivers State,” he stated.
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