Examining Rivers governance under Ibas

By Ochiaka Ugwu

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok Ette Ibas (rtd), has stated that the suspension of democratic rule in Rivers state would not affect the implementation of government policies and programmes for the overall interest of the state.

Again, he said the emergency rule declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was not intended to deprive the state from occupying it rightful place in the politics of the Nation, but rather a tougher sanction to restore law and order.

According to him, the administration has continued to align itself with all democratic policies and programmes of the state by paying arrears of pensions to retirees, prompt payment of monthly salaries, payment of newly employed staff of the Rivers State Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary among others.

In a statement signed in Port ‘Harcourt by the special adviser to the Sole Administrator on media, Hector Igbikiowuba, he said beyond welfare Ibas has appointed local government administrators to run local councils in the state because government does not allow vacum.

Hector added that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) top management has been constituted to ensure a smooth transition from emergency rule to a democratically elected local government chairman.

To strengthen its determination to enhance good and affordable living condition of the people, the government of Rivers State has ordered the disbursement and subsequent payment of N2.8 billion to 583 verified pension retirees in the state, just as he has pledged commitment to workers welfare.

This followed a reformed and verification exercise initiated by the administrator to ascertain the claims of the actual number of beneficiaries.

Ibas has strategic dialogue engagements with political stakeholders, civil society groups, the organized labour, youths, women and other notable associations that would help preach the message of peace and compliance to law and order.

At one of these dialogue with the leadership of organised labour unions held at the Government House in Port Harcourt, he gave the assurance of the sustainability of the payment of new minimum wage and the overall welfare of workers in the state.

The meeting served as a platform for open and constructive dialogue of critical labour issues that the state government is poised to address.

The administrator assured labour that medical workers in the local government areas would receive their proper wages, saying, the minimum wage was being implemented for all local government employees across the state.

He noted that his administration was currently reviewing challenges related to the contributory pension scheme, ahead of the July 2025 implementation deadline.

Ibas disclosed that plans were underway to expand the fleet of intervention buses reintroduced to ease the transportation burden of workers.

On capacity building, the administrator announced that specialised leadership training for senior civil servants would commence soon, he disclosed that the government was actively considering the implementation of the N32,000 consequential pension adjustment, along with measures to clear outstanding gratuities owed to retirees.

While commending workers for their dedication to service, he called for continued collaboration with labour unions to ensure lasting industrial harmony in the state.

Responding, at the strategic dialogue with organised labour, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor, expressed appreciation to the administrator for the steps already taken to promote workers’ welfare.

On his visit to local councils, he reiterated that peace is the driver of growth for sustainable development, urging residents of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) to work collectively to uphold stability and foster growth.

Speaking during a town hall meeting held in Omoku, the ONELGA headquarters, Ibas—represented by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju—addressed the traditional rulers, youth groups, community leaders, and security.

The commissioner underlined the state government’s unwavering commitment to strategic engagement and inclusive collaboration aimed at strengthening security and driving socio-economic life across communities.

To deepen community engagement, the Sole Administrator directed the local government Administrator, Dr. Chukwuma Ajie, to convene regular town hall meetings to listen to grievances and promote mutual understanding.

He also urged youths and local leaders to safeguard public infrastructure and report any abandoned but critical projects for swift government intervention.

In his remarks, Dr. Ajie lauded the current security improvement in local communities, saying the area is safe and open for investors.

He applauded the efforts of security agencies in restoring peace and encouraged sustained cooperation with the state government to consolidate the mile stone.

In March this year shortly after assuming office, the Sole Administrator ordered the immediate payment of salaries of suspended appointees of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

However, the order was acted upon by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, who directed the Accountant-General of the State to remit the payments without any further delay.

It reads, “In keeping with the undertaking made to the good people of Rivers State, I am pleased to inform you that the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rted)has approved the payment of salaries for all civil servants in the Rivers State Civil Service and all public servants of the Rivers State Government, including Pensioners, and all suspended political appointees”.

Still on strategic dialogue and engagements, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has appealed to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to play a pivotal role in fostering peace, reconciliation, and stability in the state amid ongoing political and security challenges.

Speaking during an engagement with leaders of the Rivers State chapter of CAN at the Government House in Port Harcourt Ibas emphasised the importance of Church’s moral guidance in restoring harmony.

He highlighted that his mandate includes restoring peace, maintaining law and order, stabilising the polity, and paving way for the return of democratic governance.

Ibas disclosed that since assuming office on March 20, 2025, he has engaged in broad consultations with civil society, traditional rulers, and local government officials to rebuild trust and foster cooperation.

He therefore called on the leadership of CAN in the state to leverage its influence by preaching peace in congregations and communities and promoting unity across ethnic, political, and denominational divides.

He further urged them to encourage forgiveness and reconciliation among citizens and serve as a beacon of hope amid fear and uncertainty, saying, “The unity of the Church is the seedbed for the unity of the state. Where the Church leads in love, the people will follow in peace.”

The Administrator assured that his administration remains people-centred, accessible, and committed to justice and equity. He called for collective action, emphasising that sustainable peace requires dialogue, collaboration, and understanding.

“The engagement underscores the administration’s efforts to involve key stakeholders in restoring stability and fostering a peaceful transition in the state,” he stated.

In his response, the leader of CAN delegation, Rivers State chapter, Rev. Dr. D.E. Kala-Dukubo, appealed to the Administrator to involve the group in the peace-building process.

Kala-Dukubo urged the Administrator to ensure that critical aspects of governance are not ignored during the period of emergency rule, especially concerning environmental sanitation.

He decried the volume of misinformation in the public space and urged the administration to tackle it head-on, saying the development portrayed the state as a place at war, adding that this serves as a disincentive for visitors and potential investors.