The political tension in Rivers State has sparked widespread speculation following the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the new Sole Administrator. Many believe that his appointment is a strategic move by former Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to maintain control over the state. But how true is this claim?
Who is Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas?
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas is a retired military officer who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021. After his retirement, he was appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana. His career has largely been in the military and diplomatic circles, with no known political affiliations or records of direct involvement in Rivers State politics.
Does Ibas Have a Relationship with Wike?
Currently, there is no publicly available evidence linking Vice Admiral Ibas and Nyesom Wike in terms of political alliance or close personal ties. While it is common for high-profile appointments to be politically motivated, there is no clear indication that Wike had a direct hand in his selection.
Interestingly, Wike himself has previously opposed the idea of appointing a sole administrator in Rivers State. In a statement made about six years ago, he firmly rejected the notion, emphasizing that Rivers people voted for their leaders and would not accept an imposed administrator. This past stance makes it unclear whether he now supports the recent appointment.
What Does This Mean for Rivers Politics?
While speculation continues, the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas should be viewed through the lens of governance rather than assumed political alliances. His military background suggests that his role may be to stabilize the situation in Rivers rather than to serve any specific political interest. However, given the existing power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Wike, any key appointment in Rivers State is bound to raise suspicions.
Verdict: Unproven
There is no concrete proof that Wike influenced the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas or that they share a political relationship. The claim remains speculative unless further evidence emerges.
For now, the focus should remain on how the new Sole Administrator handles the ongoing crisis in Rivers State and whether his leadership will calm or escalate the situation.
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