The Rivers State Government House, security personnel and aides attached to the outgoing Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (Rtd), staged a protest, accusing him of attempting to leave with state funds while leaving them unpaid. The incident, captured in a video shared by CHUKS (@ChuksEricE) on X, has sparked widespread attention and highlighted the tensions surrounding the transition of power in the oil-rich state.
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The video, which has gone viral, shows a group of security personnel and other staff members gathered under a canopy in the Government House premises, expressing their frustration and anger. The footage, timestamped at various intervals, captures the escalating situation as the personnel voice their grievances loudly, with one individual notably shouting, “We are not doing again,” indicating their refusal to continue working under the current conditions.
The protest comes ahead of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s scheduled assumption of office following his suspension, which was lifted after a six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu. The emergency rule, which began on March 18, 2025, saw Vice Admiral Ibas appointed as the Sole Administrator to stabilize the state amidst political turmoil between Governor Fubara and state lawmakers, many of whom are backed by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Sources within the Government House revealed that the security personnel and aides are particularly incensed over unpaid allowances and alleged maltreatment during Ibas’s tenure. They claim that despite their service, they have been left empty-handed as Ibas prepares to depart, with some accusing him of trying to “sneak away with the state’s wealth.”
The video shows a tense atmosphere, with several individuals in uniform, some wearing “POLICE” vests, and others in civilian attire, engaging in heated discussions. The presence of multiple vehicles, including those marked with police insignia, underscores the official nature of the location and the seriousness of the standoff.
Social media reactions have been swift, with users expressing a mix of outrage and skepticism. Some have criticized the broader political environment in Rivers State, with comments suggesting that the protest is a symptom of deeper issues of governance and accountability. Others have questioned the motives behind the protest, with theories ranging from genuine grievance to strategic maneuvering to influence the upcoming transition.
Vice Admiral Ibas, a retired Nigerian Navy Vice Admiral and former Chief of Naval Staff, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the allegations. However, his tenure as Sole Administrator has been marked by efforts to restore stability and advance infrastructure, as he claimed during a recent thanksgiving service. Despite these efforts, the current unrest suggests significant discontent among those who worked under his administration.
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