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Tag: Ibok-Ete Ibas

  • Reps reschedule interactive session with Rivers State Sole Administrator

    Reps reschedule interactive session with Rivers State Sole Administrator

    The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight has rescheduled its interactive session with the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), earlier slated for Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM.

    The postponement followed a formal request from Vice Admiral Ibas to shift the meeting to a later date.

    Recall that the committee had initially invited the Sole Administrator to appear for a comprehensive engagement regarding developments in Rivers State.

    In a statement issued by House Spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi, the committee acknowledged the request and is currently working to coordinate a new date for the session.

    “In the spirit of transparent and effective oversight, the committee will promptly inform the public once the rescheduled date is confirmed,” the statement said.

  • Ibas urges strict implementation of PPP agreements in Rivers sea ports

    Ibas urges strict implementation of PPP agreements in Rivers sea ports

    The Administrator of Rivers, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has emphasised the need for strict implementation of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreements at Rivers sea ports to maximize benefits and boost economic growth.

    Ibas made the remark when he received members of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets, led by its Chairman, Ademorin Kuye who called on him in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

    According to him, in spite of the state’s critical role in maritime, oil and gas operations, and other industrial activities, weak regulatory frameworks, lack of accountability, and conflicting stakeholder interests have hindered business growth.

    He noted that assets operating under the PPP framework in the state included the Onne Port Complex, oil and gas service zones, and certain segments of the Nigerian Ports Authority facilities.

    Ibas said that some partnerships had enhanced operational capacities and revenue, while others underperformed due to weak regulatory frameworks and lack of accountability.

    Ibas stressed the need for a comprehensive assessment of the assets to determine their state and chart a clear path forward.

    He expressed that the National Assembly could help fine-tune existing PPP arrangements by ensuring transparency, adherence to contractual obligations, and improved monitoring mechanisms.

    The Administrator emphasised the importance of collaboration with institutions like the National Assembly to achieve his administration’s mandate.

    He called for continued support in repositioning Rivers State on the path of peace, progress, and prosperity.
    Earlier, Mr Ademorin Kuye the House Committee Chairman, explained that the committee’s visit aimed to conduct oversight on federal assets, determine their usage and status, and evaluate PPP arrangements at Port Harcourt, Ibeto, and Onne Ports.

    Kuye said that the committee would work with the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission(ICPC), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) to ensure Nigerians benefit from asset disposal.

  • Ibas appoints administrators for 23 Rivers LGs, amid legal, political tensions

    Ibas appoints administrators for 23 Rivers LGs, amid legal, political tensions

    The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has approved the appointment of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, alongside the reconstitution of previously suspended boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals.

    The appointments take effect from Monday, April 7, 2025.

    The approval was contained in a Special Government Announcement issued on Wednesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika.

    This development comes amid mounting legal and political tensions in the state, with a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt having earlier barred Ibas from making such appointments.

    Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed issued an interim injunction in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/46/2025, filed by PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative led by Courage Msirimovu. The order restrains the Sole Administrator and his agents from appointing sole administrators—under any designation—to oversee the LGAs. The court granted the motion ex parte filed on March 28, and has fixed April 14 for a substantive hearing.

    The appointments are the latest twist in a protracted political power tussle in Rivers State, which has intensified since the expiration of the tenure of local council chairmen originally elected under former Governor Nyesom Wike. Though their terms ended in June 2023, the chairmen secured what they described as a term extension from 27 defected lawmakers loyal to Wike.

    Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who succeeded Wike, had dissolved the councils and appointed caretaker chairmen, triggering a fierce contest for control of the local government structures—widely regarded as critical to grassroots political dominance.

    The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) went on to conduct local government elections on October 5, 2024. However, the Wike-aligned faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Tony Okocha, challenged the process in court. Despite the litigation, the elections proceeded.

    Following a Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025, which sided with the Wike-backed APC, Governor Fubara nullified the results and directed heads of local council administrations to assume control until fresh elections are held. This move further escalated the crisis, prompting legal threats and political backlash from the Wike camp.

    Amid the chaos, Fubara’s supporters have accused Ibas of attempting to sidestep constitutional provisions by appointing administrators to the LGAs without lawful backing—an action now under judicial scrutiny.

    The unfolding crisis continues despite the declaration of a state of emergency in the state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, aimed at restoring order. With the court hearing scheduled for next week and political factions refusing to back down, the Rivers political drama appears far from over.

  • Sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, arrives Rivers, holds security meeting

    Sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, arrives Rivers, holds security meeting

    The Sole Administrator for Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) has arrived the state to resume duties, saying “Port Harcourt is my city. Everything appears calm.”

    Ibas arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa at about 11:25 am on Thursday and was received by top officials and security personnel. He was immediately treated to a guard of honour at the airport.

    Ibas, accompanied by the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, and the Assistant Inspector General of Police, zone 16, immediately proceeded to Government House, Port Harcourt.

    Upon arriving at the Government House, he was conducted around by some officials and thereafter proceeded to the executive Council Chamber where he addressed the Government House officials and the service chiefs who were present.

    In a brief chat with the media, Ibas said: “I want to thank you all for what you have been doing so far. When I got in here, I decided to meet with the head of service and service commanders. I will have to meet them for formal briefing. I assure you that later this evening, I will have to address you on some issues you want to know.”

    Asked about the hospitality accorded him upon his arrival, the retired Vice Admiral who spotted an all-white native attire said: “Port Harcourt is my city. Everything appears calm. We just want Port Harcourt to get to where it has always been.”