Ibas Escalating Crisis Tinubu Sent Him to Resolve – Ann-Kio Briggs

Human rights activist Ann-Kio Briggs has criticised Rivers State Administrator Ibok Ete Ibas for worsening tensions in the state, accusing him of doing the opposite of what President Bola Tinubu mandated. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s *Politics Today* on Monday, Briggs likened Ibas’ actions to “pouring petrol on a fire,” claiming he has aggravated the political crisis rather than resolving it.

Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, was appointed Administrator of Rivers State in March after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. Tinubu said the move was to restore calm amid a bitter political feud between Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Briggs, however, contended that Ibas has taken unconstitutional steps since assuming office, including removing democratically elected officials. “He was told to come and pour water on that fire, to quench it. Well, he has done nothing of the sort,” she said. “There were no issues, and he came along and removed everybody. Even in the government house, it is alleged that he has removed the pictures of Siminalayi Fubara. I repeat Siminalayi Fubara remains the governor of Rivers State.”

She further accused Ibas of overseeing violence and claimed he is not welcome in the state. Briggs also noted that while the President said the emergency rule would last six months, he retains the power to end it sooner and return to constitutional order.

The controversy comes as Port Harcourt witnessed simultaneous protests by two women’s groups. One expressed support for Ibas and the emergency rule, while the other, half-clad in protest, demanded the reinstatement of Governor Fubara.