The Simplified Movement Worldwide, a prominent grassroots group backing Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has welcomed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the newly appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
This appointment follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state. On Tuesday, Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly, appointing retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, to oversee the state’s administration.
The Senate and the House of Representatives ratified the emergency rule on Thursday after deliberating on the matter.
In a statement signed by its Director General, Evans Bipi, the Simplified Movement Worldwide expressed confidence in Ibas’ leadership, citing his extensive experience as a former Chief of Naval Staff and Nigeria’s immediate past High Commissioner to Ghana. However, the group strongly rejected claims by Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, that the emergency rule was necessitated by rising insecurity in Rivers State.
Describing these claims as “baseless and fallacious,” the group insisted that Rivers State remained largely peaceful under Governor Fubara despite ongoing political tensions. They argued that the President may have been misled into declaring the emergency rule and emphasized Fubara’s adherence to the rule of law.
According to the statement, Governor Fubara made multiple attempts to present the 2025 budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly, in line with a Supreme Court ruling, but faced resistance.
“The Governor was denied access to the Assembly Quarters despite formally notifying lawmakers of his intention to present the budget. Even after scheduling a third attempt for March 19, the House rebuffed the invitation, only for the emergency rule to be declared on the night of March 18,” the statement read.
The group accused the Assembly of intentionally obstructing the governor’s efforts, suggesting that their true objective was impeachment rather than legislative oversight.
Reaffirming its unwavering support for Fubara, the Simplified Movement portrayed him as a victim of political maneuvering aimed at controlling the state’s resources.
“Your Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, an epitome of Nigeria’s democracy, rest assured that the Simplified Movement Worldwide, the most formidable socio-political movement in Rivers State and beyond, stands solidly behind you,” the statement concluded.
The group further urged continued prayers for the governor and called for peace amidst the ongoing political crisis.
