Tensions in Rivers State continue to escalate as the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the state's Sole Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, issued a stern warning to protesters supporting the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Igbikiowubo asserted that the gazette imposing emergency rule grants Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) "sweeping powers," cautioning demonstrators against testing his resolve.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Tuesday, Igbikiowubo acknowledged the ongoing protests against Ibas's administration, stating, "These protests, for whatever reason, are testing the administrator’s will." However, he maintained that Ibas has so far chosen to exercise restraint despite the extensive authority granted to him following President Bola Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency on March 18. This declaration also led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the state lawmakers for a six-month period, with Ibas appointed to oversee the state during this time.
The imposition of emergency rule has sparked significant controversy and triggered numerous protest rallies by pro-Fubara groups in Port Harcourt. Igbikiowubo emphasized that while the ability to protest demonstrates the administrator's tolerance, "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." He further cautioned that the restoration of these institutions cannot be achieved through protests, harassment, or intimidation.
Despite the warning, Igbikiowubo indicated that Ibas is engaging with various stakeholders in the state as part of peace-building efforts. He noted a recent meeting with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), where "lengthy discussions" and advice on the way forward were exchanged. According to Igbikiowubo, these engagements demonstrate Ibas's "preparedness" and "commitment to restoring democracy in Rivers State." When questioned about an invitation from the House of Representatives, Igbikiowubo simply stated, "No, we don’t have a date yet."
Meanwhile, pressure is mounting against the emergency rule itself. A coalition of concerned citizens from Rivers State has vehemently condemned President Tinubu's action, labeling it "unconstitutional and a grave abuse of executive power." In a strongly worded open letter addressed to the President and copied to the National Assembly and international bodies, the group demanded the immediate reversal of the emergency rule and the reinstatement of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the suspended state lawmakers.
The signatories, comprising prominent figures from the state, argued that the President's action violates Section 305(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines specific and limited conditions for declaring a state of emergency, such as war, natural disasters, or a breakdown of public order beyond the capacity of regular law enforcement. The letter asserted that the current situation in Rivers State does not meet these constitutional thresholds.
The group accused the President of a "blatant disregard for the constitutional rights of the people of Rivers State" and a "deliberate subversion of the people’s will." They called for a full investigation into the circumstances that led to the declaration, demanding accountability for those who allegedly "misled the President."
As the war of words intensifies and protests continue, the situation in Rivers State remains highly volatile. The sole administrator's warning to protesters underscores the delicate balance between maintaining order and respecting the right to peaceful assembly. Simultaneously, the growing opposition to the emergency rule from within the state signals a protracted political crisis with potentially far-reaching consequences. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of this unfolding saga.
0 Comments