Ibas’ aides protest over unpaid allowances, Wike praises Tinubu, warns fifth columnists

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja and Tony John, Port Harcourt

The six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, was lifted last night signaling an immediate return to democratic governance in the troubled oil-rich state.

President Bola Tinubu personally announced that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, will resume their duties with effect from today.

However, tension erupted at the Government House shortly before the announcement as aides of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), openly revolted over claims of unpaid allowances and benefits.

Witnesses described the scene as “total pandemonium,” with some staff and security personnel accusing the former Chief of Naval Staff of “trying to sneak away with Rivers State’s wealth while leaving those who served him stranded.”

The argument reportedly grew so tense that Ibas’ Chief of Staff had to step in with a  promise to them that “something will be done” to address their demands.

But some observers are of the opinion that the revolt only reflects the alleged poor management and mistrust that trailed Ibas throughout his administration. Analysts also believe it highlights a larger pattern in governance, where aides and workers are often abandoned while public officials leave with full privileges.

The state of emergency was declared on March 18 due to a paralysis of governance.

President Tinubu explained that the declaration was necessitated by a severe constitutional crisis where the governor and the House of Assembly were locked in a bitter stalemate. He highlighted that only four members of the House supported Governor Fubara while 27 members opposed him and backed the Speaker, which rendered the government dysfunctional. “Critical economic assets, including oil pipelines, were being vandalised, and the State House of Assembly was crisis-ridden,” he said.

Quoting the Supreme Court judgment in related disputes, President Tinubu emphasized that “there was no government in Rivers State.” Despite efforts by himself and other Nigerians to mediate, “both sides stuck rigidly to their positions to the detriment of peace and development.”

Invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, Tinubu said, “I was obligated to proclaim the state of emergency” to arrest the slide towards anarchy. The suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the entire House of Assembly was initially for six months and was supported by the National Assembly, which evaluated the situation and approved the measure “in the interest of peace and order.” The President also expressed gratitude to traditional rulers and the people of Rivers State for their support during the emergency period.

Acknowledging dissent voices who challenged the state of emergency in courts, Tinubu reaffirmed the constitutional basis for his action: “The power to declare a state of emergency is an inbuilt constitutional tool to address situations of actual or threatened breakdown of public order and public safety.” He insisted that the Rivers State situation met this threshold, and failure to act would have been “a colossal failure” on his part.

Notably optimistic, President Tinubu revealed his hope in the renewed spirit of reconciliation among all stakeholders: “There is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance.” He thus saw no reason for the emergency to continue beyond the initial six months.

He urged governors and assemblies nationwide to cherish peace and cooperation, stressing, “It is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people.”

President Tinubu closed with a patriotic call: “Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

This end to the emergency marks a critical turning point for Rivers State as it steps back from governance paralysis towards stability and democratic rule.

•Wike warns fifth columnists

Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Wike, has applauded President Tinubu for lifting the emergency rule, describing the move as a decisive step toward restoring democratic governance and peace in the region.

He emphasised that President Tinubu’s action demonstrates his unwavering commitment to democracy and national stability.

“The proactive intervention by President Tinubu has saved Rivers State from prolonged crisis and restored the people’s confidence in his leadership,” said Wike. He added, “This decision marks a new chapter of peace and progress for Rivers State and reaffirms the President’s dedication to the nation’s democratic values.”

The FCT Minister also commended the people of Rivers State for their continuous support and trust in the President’s efforts toward national development. He urged all stakeholders in the state to unite and work harmoniously for the common good of the people.

Wike, however, issued a stern warning to troublemakers and fifth columnists who thrive on conflict, urging them to desist from activities that could destabilize the state. “Going forward,” he stated, “the only news that will emanate from Rivers State will be that of peace, progress and development.”

•More reactions

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Elders Council has appealed to the citizens to unite for peace and progress as the state of emergency comes to an end. The council, in a statement by its chairman, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, said the period of emergency rule afforded Rivers people an opportunity to reflect on a number of issues affecting the state.

The group said: “As the end of the emergency rule in our dear state beckons, and restoration of full democratic governance ushers in Governor Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu and the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule back to their constitutional duties, it is an opportunity for us to reflect on a number of issues, such as where we are coming from, what we should do to avoid the recurrence of the unfortunate circumstances the incidence and significantly,  how to sustain peace, unity and development in our beloved Rivers State.”

The group said, as leaders and members of the Rivers State Elders Council, the appeal is for all parties involved in what led to the declaration of the state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu to embrace genuine reconciliation.

Alabraba said: “We urge all stakeholders, without exception, to embrace peace and reconciliation that has now returned to our dear state.

“We also quickly wish to admonish a few individuals and groups who are still fanning the embers of discord to come to terms with the fact that the crisis is over and stop making inflammatory statements, inciting rhetoric in the media and whipping up sentiments for their selfish interests. They should prioritise the interest of the state and allow Governor Fubara and the House of Assembly to work together without further distractions.

“We equally commend the Governor and the leadership of the House of Assembly for making peace. At this point, we can only remind them that they did not only agree on peace in Abuja, but also on their own, went to the Villa and affirmed their reconciliation before the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Bola Tinubu,.

“That vow before Mr. President remains sacrosanct. Therefore, going forward, they must work harmoniously in the interest of the state. The people of Rivers State expect nothing less from them.

“We use this opportunity to salute the good people of Rivers State for their patience and understanding throughout the period of the emergency rule. It is an attestation of faith in the administration of President Tinubu, whose proactive action averted the disaster that was about to descend on the state.

“The indefatigable political leader of Rivers State, the former Governor of the State and Minister of the FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, deserves a special mention for his role in mid-wifing the entire reconciliation process. Again, he demonstrated that he is a man with a large heart. He did not only bring the parties together, he also ensured that the parties went to Mr. President to brief him first hand on the details of their understanding.

“And to our dear President, we say a very big thank you for bringing Rivers State back from the brink and taking actions to ensure that peace returns to the state.

“We thank you once again for the confidence reposed in our son, brother, associate and cherished leader as a member of your cabinet. Your astute resolution of the Rivers crisis is yet another manifestation of your goodwill towards the state.

“Mr President, we appreciate you and assure you that you have already captured the hearts of the people of Rivers State and as your administration continues to pursue the Renewed Hope Agenda, you can count on the support of Rivers people at all times,” the Council expressed.

Also, the National Leader of South-South Chief and Elders, High Chief Omubo Harry, said Rivers people are excited to see their governor reinstated.

The elder statesman lamented that the state had suffered a lot, especially during the period of emergency rule.

He called on all the citizens and residents to come together and work for the progress and development of the state, eschewing tendencies capable of truncating the fragile peace.

Similarly, Mr. Opunabo Inko-Tariah, former Special Adviser to the then governor, Nyesom Wike, expressed joy over the development, saying, “Rivers State and her people are marinated in joy, eagerly awaiting the return of Governor Fubara.

Inko-Tariah, a civil rights advocate, noted that the governor’s policies, projects and programmes are people-centric, having been seared in the flame of emergency rule.

He said: “Rivers people cannot wait for the rebirth of spring with the reinstatement of Governor Fubara, having walked through the metallic hell of the road of dictatorship.

“It has been six months of painful laughter and retrogression and we cannot wait for our governor, who will hew out of this mountain of despair, a stone of hope for the state!”

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ally of former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, Chief  Eze Chukwuemeka, said:  “Let me state further that the coming back of Fubara today, September 18, depends on which of the Fubara is coming back.

“Is it the Fubara stripped of all his powers as a governor or is it the Fubara that is coming to reclaim his powers as the duly elected Governor of Rivers State?

“Assuming that the Fubara that will come in is the Fubara that is stripped of his powers to govern the state accordingly as an executive Governor, who will be handed over the list of his commissioners, aides and how to run the state by approving contracts he will execute, then the state and her people will not be expecting much from him as that will be the third term of Nyesom Wike as the Governor of Rivers State, where looting and misgovernance will be the order of the day.

“But, if the Fubara that will be coming is the Fubara who knows that he is the duly elected Governor of Rivers State and has the powers of governance, then, the people of Rivers State can rejoice for further progress of the state.”

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Rivers State, which still claims authenticity, said the return of Governor Fubara would be commendable one.

Spokesperson for the party, Mr. Darlington Nwauju, said Fubara should, on his return, take a step of faith by joining the APC.

He said the governor should fast track development of the state; pay special attention to all projects hitherto abandoned across the state and ensure that the state’s free education policy is re-introduced.