The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), has been criticized for ordering naval personnel to the residence of the suspended deputy governor of the state, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and forcibly removing three vehicles.
The Guardian gathered that the naval officers, acting on the direct instruction of the sole administrator, carried out the operation in a commando-style raid, taking away two Toyota Hilux vehicles and one Toyota Hiace bus.
The action took place in the early hours of Friday, April 25, and has since sparked widespread condemnation across the state.
Reacting, however, the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Rivers State Government, Mr Hector Igbikiowubo, confirmed that only one Hilux bus was retrieved for operational purposes because the current administration does not have enough vehicles.
But sources close to the government described Igbikiowubo’s claim as false, maintaining that three vehicles were forcibly removed from the deputy governor’s residence.
Speaking, spokesperson of Democracy Watch Nigeria, Vincent Chimene Wopara, said the development marks a new low in the ongoing disregard for due process and democratic norms under the current administration.
He said the action is a targeted provocation, intended to intimidate and humiliate the office of the Deputy Governor, which remains a constitutionally recognised institution.
He called on Nigerians, civil society organizations, and the international community to take note of the growing trend of militarization and impunity in Rivers State, saying, “It is imperative that those in positions of authority act within the bounds of the law and uphold the dignity of democratic institutions.
“The people of Rivers State deserve governance rooted in law, not in brute force,” he stated.
In a similar development, pensioners and workers in the state have decried the non-release of the monthly approved N2b payments for gratuity and the stoppage of palliative vehicles put in place by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
The Secretary of Pensioners Union in Rivers state, Dr. Joseph Agbo, alleged that the N2b released monthly for gratuity payments by Fubara has been stopped since the Sole Administrator resumed office.
He lamented that the development has affected the pensioners, causing them pain. He disclosed that some have fallen sick while others are feared dead.
Meanwhile, civil servants in the state have raised concerns about the stoppage of the palliative buses donated by Fubara to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
The workers, in an interview with The Guardian, lamented that the withdrawal of the palliative buses has increased their pain, suffering amidst the economic woes, and they called for the return of Governor Fubara.
“We really need the governor back,” said the workers.
But the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Rivers state government, Mr. Igbikiowubo, said it is incorrect for pensioners in the state to say that the N2b meant for the payment of outstanding pensions has been stopped.
Igbikiowubo said the sum of N2.9b has already been approved for the payment of outstanding pensions. He added that gratuity, which is the only remaining outstanding payment, will soon be paid.
He also explained that the subsidy palliative bus, which had been stopped since the appointment of the sole administrator, will resume as soon as possible. He said the administration deserves commendation for ensuring transparency in the system.
He said, “The Rivers state government under Ibas has paid outstanding pensions. The last time I checked, he had approved the pensions payment of N2.9b. The only thing I know this government has held onto is gratuity, just to be sure the money was not paid to the wrong people.
“The administrator has fair intentions, so we just have to be patient. The administration will be accountable for anything it does to the last penny it spends for the benefit and betterment of Rivers’ people.”
