A major grassroots group backing Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Simplified Movement Worldwide, has formally welcomed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the newly appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
This development follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of Emergency Rule, which led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly. Tinubu also appointed retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibas, to take over the state’s administration.
Both chambers of the National Assembly ratified the emergency rule on Thursday after extensive deliberations.
Fubara’s Supporters Reject Emergency Rule Justification
In a statement signed by its Director General, Evans Bipi, the Simplified Movement expressed confidence in Ibas’ leadership, citing his vast experience as a military officer and Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to Ghana. However, the group strongly rejected claims made by Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who attributed the emergency rule to rising insecurity in Rivers State.
Describing the justification as “baseless and fallacious,” the group insisted that Rivers remained largely peaceful under Governor Fubara, despite ongoing political tensions.
According to the group, the President may have been misled into imposing the emergency rule. They pointed to Fubara’s repeated but unsuccessful attempts to present the 2025 budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly, as required by a Supreme Court ruling.
“The Governor was denied access to the Assembly Quarters despite formally notifying lawmakers of his intention to present the budget. Even after scheduling a third attempt for March 19, the House rebuffed the invitation, only for the Emergency Rule to be declared on the night of March 18,” the statement read.
Allegations of Political Power Play
The Simplified Movement accused the Assembly of deliberately frustrating the governor’s efforts, suggesting that their real goal was impeachment rather than governance.
Reaffirming its unwavering support for Fubara, the group described him as a victim of political maneuvering aimed at controlling the state’s resources.
“Your Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, an epitome of Nigeria’s democracy, rest assured that the Simplified Movement Worldwide, the most formidable socio-political movement in Rivers State and beyond, stands solidly behind you,” the statement declared.
The group also called on supporters to remain peaceful and continue praying for the governor amid the unfolding political crisis.
