As the political dust begins to settle following the suspension of emergency rule in Rivers State, fresh demands are mounting for the probe of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), over alleged involvement in the deepening crisis that rocked the oil-rich state.
Civil society groups, opposition figures, and activists are now intensifying their calls for transparency and accountability, arguing that Ibas’s alleged role in security operations during the period of political unrest must be thoroughly investigated.
Rivers State was plunged into turmoil after months of political tension between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The crisis escalated into the declaration of emergency rule by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a move that drew national and international attention.
With the emergency rule now suspended and Fubara reinstated as governor, attention has shifted to those believed to have influenced security decisions that fueled public distrust. At the heart of this scrutiny is Admiral Ibas, whose name has been repeatedly mentioned in reports and petitions.
Civil society organizations allege that Ibas may have overstepped boundaries in his handling of certain directives, which they claim worsened the situation on the ground. Some political analysts argue that probing Ibas is necessary to restore public confidence and prevent future abuses of power.
Activist groups have already submitted petitions to the National Assembly and the Human Rights Commission, demanding a formal inquiry into his actions.
While government sources remain silent on the issue, supporters of the probe insist that no individual should be above the law. On the other hand, critics argue that the calls may be politically motivated, designed to settle scores in the ongoing Rivers power struggle.
The end of emergency rule has opened a new chapter in Rivers politics, but whether the probe into Admiral Ibas will be pursued with seriousness remains to be seen. For many observers, the coming weeks will determine if Nigeria’s political system is ready to uphold accountability in the face of high-profile controversies.
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