Rivers' Sole Administrator, Ibas Denies Lobbying for Emergency Rule Extension

Rivers State’s sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has firmly denied speculations claiming he’s lobbying for an extension of his stay in office.

Rumours had suggested that the retired naval chief was quietly seeking to prolong the emergency rule period. 

However, his media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, dismissed the claims as unfounded during a chat with Sunday Punch, stressing that Admiral Ibas remains committed to stepping aside once his tenure ends.

“Our position has always been clear: there’s no desire or attempt to extend this administration beyond its lawful timeframe,” Igbikiowubo said. 

“The focus is on completing ongoing projects responsibly, not rushing them in a way that would compromise quality simply because of political timelines.”

He explained that while several key infrastructure works are still in progress, the administration would rather hand over properly than cut corners. 

“When contractors are mobilised, progress must follow due process,” he added. 

“You cannot expect that emergency governance will suddenly bend the rules or force an unrealistic pace just to meet a deadline.”

Igbikiowubo further pointed to the recent conduct of local government elections in the state as evidence that the sole administration was preparing to return governance to elected representatives.

“The decision to allow RSIEC to hold council elections, with approval from the National Assembly, shows we are working towards restoring democracy at the grassroots,” he said. “Our exit plan is in motion, and we intend to honour it.”

The Rivers State emergency administration was installed after political unrest threatened governance earlier this year. The denial seeks to quell growing political tension and speculation ahead of the transition process.