Reps Summon Sole Administrator as Wike Snubs Tompolo’s Peace Appeal, Women Demand End to Emergency Rule and Reinstatement of Governor Fubara
The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a fresh turn as the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight has summoned the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), for an interactive session today at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
The invitation, according to a statement by House spokesperson, Mr. Akin Rotimi, was issued during the committee’s inaugural meeting held on Wednesday. The session is scheduled for 4 p.m. in Room 414 of the House of Representatives New Building.
Committee Chairman and House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, said the appearance is necessary to ascertain the true state of affairs in Rivers State following the recent declaration of emergency rule and the appointment of Ibas as Sole Administrator.
“This engagement is necessary to ensure the House is properly guided in discharging its oversight duties in line with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution,” Ihonvbere said.
Wike Rejects Tompolo’s Reconciliation Offer
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has dismissed calls for reconciliation from ex-militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo. Tompolo had urged Wike to reconcile with the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the sake of peace in the state.
However, in a statement released by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike said he has not received any apology or request for forgiveness from Fubara. He maintained that reconciliation requires acknowledgment of wrongdoing, which Fubara has failed to offer.
“The minister has never said that Fubara offended him personally,” Olayinka noted. “He only urged Fubara to respect the rule of law and not turn his back on those who risked their lives and resources to make him governor. If anyone deserves an apology, it is the President, not Wike.”
Rivers Women Demand Removal of CP, End to Emergency Rule
In another development, the Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group has demanded the immediate removal of the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, accusing him of bias in handling peaceful protests.
In a statement signed by Dr. Nancy Nwankwo and Dr. Vivian Ige-Elenwo, the group condemned the use of tear gas and brute force by police during a peaceful protest held on April 11 against the emergency rule.
“We, the women of Rivers State, reiterate our unwavering demand for the immediate termination of the unconstitutional and unjust emergency rule currently imposed on our state,” the statement read.
The women further accused Vice Admiral Ibas of deepening the political divide rather than fostering reconciliation, claiming his actions serve the interests of those who appointed him and not the people.
They also decried the economic hardship brought about by the emergency rule, citing business closures and investment losses, with women and children bearing the brunt.
The group called on the international community to intervene diplomatically and pressure the Nigerian government to restore democratic governance in Rivers State by reinstating Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Ordu, and the state legislature.
Ibas Denies Summoning Fubara, Deputy
Amidst growing tensions, Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has denied reports that he summoned Fubara and his deputy to appear before him.
In a statement issued by Dede Friday, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the claim was described as false and intended to create panic.
“These malicious fabrications are designed to mislead the public, create panic, and disrupt the peace in Rivers State,” the statement said.
“The Rivers State Government categorically states that this announcement is fake and did not originate from any official source. The public is urged to disregard this and any similar misinformation, as they are the work of troublemakers seeking to destabilize the state.”
As tensions remain high, today’s interactive session between the House committee and the Sole Administrator is expected to shed light on the next steps for peace, governance, and democratic restoration in Rivers State.
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