Rivers State Transitions Back to Democratic Rule: Outgoing Administrator Ibas Urges Full Support for Fubara’s Return
In a seamless handover marking the end of six months of emergency administration, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, formally bowed out of office on September 18, 2025, appealing to residents and indigenes to rally behind reinstated Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the state’s continued stability and progress. The transition follows President Bola Tinubu’s announcement on September 17 lifting the state of emergency imposed in March amid a fierce political crisis that had paralyzed governance in the oil-rich Niger Delta state.
Ibas, a retired naval chief sworn in by Tinubu on March 18 to steer the state through turmoil, delivered a statewide broadcast on Wednesday evening, reflecting on his tenure and handing over the reins with “confidence and respect.” “As I hand back the reins of leadership to Sim Fubara, I do so with confidence and respect, and I urge all Rivers people to support him wholeheartedly because leadership and followership is a shared responsibility,” he stated, emphasizing unity over division. He cautioned against returning to instability, advising political leaders to prioritize collective good and reconciliation, while urging youth to channel energy into peace-building rather than violence.
Background: From Crisis to Emergency Rule
The emergency declaration stemmed from an explosive feud between Governor Fubara and his godfather-turned-rival, Federal Information Minister Nyesom Wike, escalating into violent clashes, legislative defections, and court battles that threatened the state’s security. Tinubu’s intervention suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly, dissolving political structures and installing Ibas to restore order. Fubara and his family had vacated Government House shortly after, with his whereabouts during the period remaining somewhat opaque, though he was reinstated without contest.
During Ibas’s stewardship, key milestones included restoring law and order, conducting local government elections, reconstituting statutory boards and commissions, and securing National Assembly approval for the state budget—achievements he attributed to collective efforts and divine grace. An interdenominational thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt on Sunday underscored the period as a “divine intervention” that averted potential chaos, with Pastor Organ Barasin noting the pre-emergency tensions could have led to bloodshed.
Fubara’s Return: Jubilation Amid Lingering Tensions
Governor Fubara resumed duties at Government House amid massive crowds of jubilant supporters flooding Port Harcourt streets, signaling strong backing despite the fragile political landscape. The Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened for the first time since suspension, with Speaker Martin Amaewhule presiding over a session to outline a legislative agenda for the year. However, Fubara’s exact whereabouts leading up to the handover sparked brief speculation, though official reports confirm his full reinstatement.
Fubara, who had assured indigenes of protection during the crisis, now faces the task of rebuilding amid ongoing PDP appeals for him to remain in the party and avoid further rifts. The emergency’s end ends uncertainty but highlights Rivers’ vulnerability, with Ibas’s plea for support underscoring the need for sustained peace in this economically vital state.
This transition represents a critical juncture for Rivers, where oil revenues fund national growth, but political volatility has long hindered development. As Fubara steers ahead, the onus falls on all stakeholders to heed Ibas’s call for collaborative governance.