Five major issues confronting Rivers’ new administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas

With the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the sole administrator, governance in the oil-rich state has taken a dramatic turn.

As he steps into his new role, Ibas faces a complex political landscape, deep-seated security concerns, and economic challenges that could define his tenure. Here are five critical issues confronting him:

Wike vs. Fubara prolonged political crisis

At the core of Rivers State’s turmoil is the ongoing power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The fierce rivalry between these two political heavyweights has divided the state, with political actors and residents alike taking sides.

As an administrator, Ibas must navigate this deeply entrenched conflict. His appointment by President Bola Tinubu, under whom Wike currently serves, has already fueled suspicions that he may act in Wike’s favour. Many loyal to Fubara view his appointment as an attempt to undermine the embattled governor and consolidate Wike’s influence.

Ibas, however, has pledged to govern with accountability and transparency. “We will ensure that every decision we make, every policy we implement, and every action we take is guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, and service to the people,” he said during a meeting with stakeholders on Friday.

Nonetheless, his ability to remain neutral in a highly polarised environment will be a major test of his leadership.

Maintaining peace and stability

Rivers State has a history of political violence, protests, and electoral unrest. The suspension of Fubara and other elected officials has already drawn criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups, who view it as unconstitutional. There are growing concerns that the situation could escalate into mass protests or civil disobedience.

“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” Ibas declared in his first public address on Thursday.

In response to the crisis, security agencies have been heavily deployed to maintain order. The military has stationed troops in the state, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has sent additional officers to bolster security. However, the administrator must ensure that security forces operate within the confines of the law, as excessive force could further inflame tensions and worsen the crisis.

Securing oil pipelines and managing economic disruptions

Rivers State is the heart of Nigeria’s oil industry, hosting major international oil companies and generating a significant portion of the nation’s revenue. However, insecurity in the region, including oil theft and pipeline vandalism, has long threatened economic stability.

Even before the emergency declaration, there were reports of explosions at key pipelines, and armed groups in the creeks have issued threats to disrupt oil production in response to the political crisis.

The federal government’s decision to appoint Ibas, a former naval chief with deep knowledge of the Niger Delta, appears strategic. His military background and expertise in maritime security may prove valuable in protecting vital oil infrastructure and curbing the activities of oil thieves and militants.

To support this effort, the government has deployed 10,000 personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to guard pipelines and prevent further disruptions. However, Ibas must tread carefully, ensuring that security measures do not alienate local communities.

Governing without a political structure

Unlike an elected governor who works with a cabinet and a state legislature, Ibas will be governing alone as a sole administrator. This means he will make all executive decisions without the usual checks and balances provided by a functioning state assembly.

This lack of political structure presents major governance challenges. Without a democratic framework for decision-making, the risk of inefficiency, policy missteps, and lack of accountability increases.

Aware of these limitations, Ibas has moved swiftly to engage key stakeholders. He has already met with permanent secretaries, local government administrators, and the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to restore governance at the grassroots level.

Also, the federal government has released long-withheld local government funds, and Ibas has ordered the immediate payment of outstanding salaries owed to workers, a move that may help stabilise public trust in his administration.

Still, expectations are high. With governance in Rivers State having been largely stalled by the prolonged crisis, citizens will be looking to Ibas to introduce policies and projects that directly benefit the masses.

Managing federal influence and legitimacy concerns

Unlike a democratically elected governor, Ibas is directly accountable to the president. His authority is derived from the emergency rule proclamation, which also limits his powers. According to President Tinubu’s directive, Ibas cannot make new laws but can formulate necessary regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council.

“The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state,” Tinubu clarified.

This federal oversight raises questions about how much autonomy Ibas truly has. Many Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether he can act independently or if he will simply carry out directives from Abuja.

His ability to navigate this delicate balance, exercising authority while maintaining legitimacy in the eyes of Rivers’ people, will be crucial to his success.

As Ibas steps into a deeply divided and volatile environment. From managing political rivalries and maintaining security to protecting the state’s economic backbone and governing without a conventional political structure, his leadership will be under intense scrutiny.

His success or failure will largely depend on his ability to act impartially, restore stability, and prove that emergency rule can deliver tangible benefits to Rivers people rather than serve as a political tool.

Businessday