Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), the recently appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State under President Bola Tinubu’s Emergency Rule, has been welcomed by the Simplified Movement Worldwide, a significant grassroots
mobilisation group for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The group said they have faith in Ibas’s capacity to run the state.
Citing Ibas’ extensive background as a former navy chief and Nigeria’s immediate past High Commissioner to Ghana,
the group voiced confidence in Ibas’ capacity to oversee the state’s affairs in a statement signed by Evans Bipi, its Director General.
However, the organisation vehemently denied remarks made by Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the
Federation and Minister of Justice, claiming that growing insecurity in Rivers State was the reason for the Emergency Rule.
The Simplified Movement described these claims as “baseless and fallacious”, insisting that the state had remained
largely peaceful under Governor Fubara despite the political tensions.
The group highlighted Governor Fubara’s dedication to enforcing the law and contended that the President might have
been duped into issuing the Emergency Rule.
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The statement said that the governor had tried several times to comply with the Supreme Court’s decision by
presenting the 2025 budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly but had encountered opposition.
“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.
The organisation claimed that the Assembly’s ultimate objective was impeachment rather than legislative oversight
and accused them of purposefully impeding the governor’s efforts.
By presenting Governor Fubara as the victim of political scheming intended to seize control of the state’s resources, it
reiterated its unshakeable support for him.
“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 concluded.
The Simplified Movement urged continued prayers for Governor Fubara and called for peace amid the unfolding political crisis.
