“We Have Uncovered Plans to Extend Emergency Rule in Rivers by Orchestrating More Explosions” – Group Alleges

A socio-political group, the Simplicity Movement, has raised concerns over recent explosions at oil facilities in Rivers State, alleging that they are part of a scheme to justify an extension of the ongoing emergency rule. The group has called on the state’s Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Retd.), to conduct a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice.

President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, citing escalating security challenges amid a deepening political crisis. However, the Simplicity Movement claims that the explosions occurring before and after the declaration are being staged to prolong military control over the state.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt on Monday, the group’s National Leader, Sobomabo Jackrich, described the incidents as politically motivated. He warned that keeping the state under what he called “unconstitutional control” would undermine democracy. According to Jackrich, Rivers residents should not be subjected to prolonged military rule under the pretext of security concerns.

Beyond the emergency rule, the group also raised alarms over governance at the local level. It alleged that plans were underway to appoint sole administrators for the 23 local government areas instead of holding the scheduled council elections in August 2025. Jackrich argued that such a move would disenfranchise the people and prevent them from electing their leaders in a democratic process.

The Simplicity Movement further condemned the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state House of Assembly, describing it as an attack on democratic institutions. Jackrich called the decision a “dangerous precedent” that could worsen the crisis and deepen divisions in the state.

The group also addressed the controversy surrounding the abandoned Rivers State Assembly building, insisting that the Administrator’s visit to the site had debunked the claim that Governor Fubara neglected the project. It maintained that the president’s stance against the governor was unfair and that the truth would soon come to light.

Jackrich reaffirmed the group’s stance against the emergency rule, emphasizing that Rivers people would not be denied their right to elect their leaders. As opposition to the Federal Government’s actions grows, a case has been filed at the ECOWAS Court in Abuja, challenging the legality of suspending the governor and imposing emergency rule in the state.