The Rivers Progressive Alliance (RPA) has sounded the alarm regarding an alleged scheme to prolong the stay of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, following a protest advocating for a state of emergency earlier today.
President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on 18 March 2025, citing a deteriorating security situation amidst the political deadlock involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and supporters of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
In a statement issued on Monday in Port Harcourt, RPA described today’s demonstration, which occurred after “Rivers women bravely staged the now-famous #BringBackFubara protest,” as “shameless.” The statement added that the “peaceful demonstration might have rattled the powers that be and pushed them into panic mode.”
The statement, signed by the Director of Publicity, Meshac Jaja, reads in part: “Rivers people watched in disbelief as a group of women, flanked by police officers, took to the streets this morning not to demand better governance, but to shamelessly call for an extension of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas’ controversial sole administratorship.
“This sudden twist came barely days after Rivers women bravely staged the now-famous #BringBackFubara protest, demanding the reinstatement of their legitimate Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. That peaceful demonstration might have rattled the powers that be and pushed them into panic mode.”
The statement further alleges that multiple sources say “the beneficiaries of the emergency rule, disheartened by the genuine show of support for Governor Fubara, resorted to sponsoring a counter-protest, ironically employing the same security forces that attempted to suppress the women’s march for justice.
“What’s fueling his desperation?” the statement questions, suggesting that certain individuals view the emergency rule as an opportunity following the substantial funds left in the state’s coffers by Governor Fubara. “It’s no surprise then that these individuals would attempt to orchestrate a charade to extend the unconstitutional take-over under the guise of ‘people’s support.'”
“Let it be known: Rivers people are not fools. We are not cowards. And we will not allow power-hungry impostors to rewrite the will of the people. The staged protest may fool a few, but Rivers State sees through the deception,” the statement concludes.
