Tension in Rivers: Group Threatens Protest Over Planned LG Administrators’ Appointment
Rivers Emancipation Movement Warns of Mass Action as Sole Administrator Prepares to Announce Council Administrators
Port Harcourt, March 24, 2025 – Political tension is mounting in Rivers State as the Rivers Emancipation Movement (REM), a socio-political group, has vowed to take to the streets in protest if the Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), proceeds with the appointment of administrators to take charge of the 23 local government areas.
The controversy comes in the wake of the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who appointed Ibas as Sole Administrator on March 18, 2025. Since assuming office, Ibas has been navigating the state’s political landscape amid growing discontent from various factions.
Credible sources revealed on Monday that the Sole Administrator may officially announce the appointment of local government administrators on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, barring any last-minute change in plans. Reports suggest that the list of appointees has already been compiled, with concerns that most of the selected individuals are not affiliated with the suspended governor’s political camp.
The potential appointments have sparked backlash, with members of the REM and other political stakeholders alleging that the move is aimed at consolidating power in favor of opposition forces aligned with the federal government.
Reacting to the development, the Rivers Emancipation Movement issued a strongly worded statement, warning that any attempt to install administrators without broad-based consultations would be met with resistance. The group described the move as “a political hijack” and a deliberate attempt to undermine the democratic rights of Rivers people.
“We will not sit back and watch our democracy being subverted under the guise of a Sole Administration,” a spokesperson for the group stated. “If the Vice Admiral goes ahead with this plan, Rivers people will rise in protest. We will mobilize massively to show our discontent.”
The group further accused the federal government of manipulating the state’s political affairs, urging President Tinubu to reconsider the approach taken in resolving the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
The Rivers State political crisis has remained a subject of intense debate since the suspension of Governor Fubara. Analysts argue that the situation has deepened the state’s political divide, with fears that the appointment of local government administrators could escalate tensions.
As of press time, there has been no official statement from the Sole Administrator’s office regarding the alleged list of administrators. However, political watchers believe that any decision made in the coming days will significantly shape the political future of Rivers State.
Meanwhile, security agencies are reportedly on high alert to forestall any possible unrest, as residents of the state await further developments.
About Author
