The political upheaval in Rivers added more heat Tuesday as the Sole Administrator in the state, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has summoned suspended Governor Siminialayi Fubara and his deputy, Dr. Ngozi Ordu, for an inquiry into government appointments made over the past two years before his controversial suspension.
In an announcement that is set to trigger more political upset in Rivers, Ibas summons Fubara to appear in person at the State Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 10:00 am.
According to a statement signed by Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, Secretary to the State Government, the inquiry will focus on appointments made under the Fubara administration, with the suspended governor expected to provide full documentation, procedural justifications, and other relevant records.
The statement added that the session will serve as a platform for Fubara to explain why he believes he should be reinstated into office, emphasizing the mandatory nature of the appearance as it described the inquiry as part of ongoing efforts by the Sole Administrator to restore transparency, accountability, and lasting peace in the governance of Rivers State.
As Ibas summons Fubara, this latest development underscores the deepening political tensions in the state, following Fubara’s controversial suspension and the appointment of a Sole Administrator—a move that has attracted knocks from political observers and civil society groups alike.
While the Friday deadline approaches, all eyes are now on Port Harcourt for the umpteenth time to see how this unfolding saga will shape up.
Recall Pan-Atlantic Kompass had reported that Governors in the fold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have staged a mouthwatering legal challenge before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, challenging the suspension of Fubara as Rivers Governor and the legality of appointing a sole administrator in his place by President Bola Tinubu.
Ibas summons Fubara in the full statement below, titled ‘RIVERS GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT‘
“The Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, CFR, has formally summoned the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, and his Deputy, Dr. Ngozi Ordu, to appear before him for an inquiry into the appointments made under their administration over the past two years.
“Sir Fubara is directed to present all relevant documents and records pertaining to appointments, including justifications and procedures followed during his tenure. The session will also serve as an opportunity for the suspended Governor to provide a clear and detailed explanation as to why he believes he should be reinstated to office.
“Both parties are expected to appear in person as follows:
“Date: Friday, 18th April, 2025
Time: 10:00am Prompt
Venue: Conference Room, Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt
“Attendance is mandatory. This process forms part of the Sole Administrator’s ongoing efforts to restore transparency and accountability and lasting peace in the governance of Rivers State.
Signed:
Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika
Secretary to the State Government”
