On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Rivers State marked the end of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas’ tenure as Sole Administrator with a solemn yet significant farewell thanksgiving service held at a prominent church in Port Harcourt. The event, intended as a moment of reflection and unity, was overshadowed by the conspicuous absence of two central figures in the state’s ongoing political crisis: Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended Governor of Rivers State. Their absence underscored the deep-seated divisions that continue to plague the state, even as Ibas made an impassioned plea for peace, reconciliation, and collective progress.
Appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025, Vice Admiral Ibas, a retired naval officer, was tasked with restoring order to Rivers State following months of escalating political tensions and sporadic militant attacks that threatened the state’s stability. His six-month emergency rule, set to formally conclude on September 18, 2025, was a period marked by both challenges and achievements. The farewell service was meant to serve as a capstone to his tenure, a moment to reflect on the progress made and to chart a path forward for a state at a critical juncture. However, the absence of Wike and Fubara, the two protagonists in Rivers State’s political drama, cast a long shadow over the proceedings, raising questions about the prospects for unity as the state prepares to transition back to a regular political order.
A Call for Reconciliation Amid Division
In his address at the thanksgiving service, Vice Admiral Ibas struck a tone of hope tempered by urgency, urging the state’s political actors to prioritize the interests of Rivers State over personal or factional ambitions. “The seeds of reconciliation have been planted, but they need your deliberate nurture to take root,” he declared, his voice resonating with the weight of his experience as a military officer and administrator. “Rivers State cannot afford another season of division and acrimony. Politics must never be an excuse to destroy the very state we are called to serve.”
Ibas’ words were a direct appeal to the warring factions within the state, particularly those aligned with Wike and Fubara, whose rivalry has dominated Rivers State’s political landscape for years. The feud, rooted in a struggle for control over the state’s political machinery, has polarized the state’s populace, disrupted governance, and fueled unrest. Ibas’ tenure was, in many ways, an attempt to bridge this divide, but the absence of the two key figures at the farewell service highlighted the magnitude of the challenge.
The service itself was attended by a broad cross-section of Rivers State’s leadership, including permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and security commanders. Their presence underscored the respect Ibas had earned during his brief but impactful tenure. However, the empty seats where Wike and Fubara might have sat served as a stark reminder of the unresolved tensions that continue to threaten the state’s stability.
The Context of Ibas’ Appointment
To fully appreciate the significance of Ibas’ tenure and the farewell service, it is necessary to understand the circumstances that led to his appointment. Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s most economically vital regions due to its oil wealth, has long been a hotbed of political maneuvering. The rivalry between Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara, once allies, has been a defining feature of the state’s politics in recent years. Wike, a political heavyweight and former governor of Rivers State (2015–2023), played a pivotal role in Fubara’s rise to the governorship in 2023. However, their relationship deteriorated rapidly, reportedly over disagreements on political control and resource allocation.
By early 2025, the tensions between the two had escalated into a full-blown crisis, with factions loyal to each leader engaging in public spats, legal battles, and, in some cases, violent confrontations. The situation was further complicated by militant activities in the Niger Delta, which took advantage of the political instability to launch attacks on infrastructure and communities. The combination of internal political strife and external security threats prompted President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025, suspending Fubara as governor and appointing Ibas as Sole Administrator to stabilize the region.
Ibas, a retired Vice Admiral with a distinguished career in the Nigerian Navy, was seen as a neutral figure capable of restoring order. His military background and reputation for discipline made him a fitting choice to navigate the complex and volatile situation in Rivers State. Over the course of his six-month tenure, Ibas implemented a series of measures aimed at restoring calm, including strengthening security operations, engaging with community leaders, and overseeing the conduct of local government elections to restore democratic processes at the grassroots level.
Achievements and Challenges
Reflecting on his tenure during the farewell service, Ibas expressed gratitude for the relative stability achieved under his leadership. “When I arrived in Rivers State, the atmosphere was tense, and the path forward was uncertain,” he said. “But with the cooperation of the people of this great state, we have made significant strides. The successful conduct of local government elections is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together.”
The local government elections, held in August 2025, were a notable accomplishment of Ibas’ administration. The polls, which had been delayed due to the political crisis, were seen as a critical step toward restoring democratic governance at the local level. Despite initial fears of violence or disruptions, the elections proceeded relatively smoothly, with security forces maintaining order and voter turnout exceeding expectations. The successful conduct of the elections was widely praised as a sign of progress, though critics noted that deeper issues, such as the Wike-Fubara rivalry, remained unresolved.
Beyond the elections, Ibas’ administration focused on rebuilding trust between the government and the people of Rivers State. He held regular town hall meetings with community leaders, traditional rulers, and youth groups, emphasizing dialogue as a tool for conflict resolution. His administration also worked to address the security challenges posed by militant groups, collaborating with federal security agencies to curb attacks on oil infrastructure and restore investor confidence in the region.
However, Ibas’ tenure was not without its challenges. The entrenched political divisions in Rivers State proved difficult to overcome, and his efforts to mediate between the Wike and Fubara camps yielded limited results. Both leaders remained steadfast in their positions, with Wike leveraging his influence as a federal minister to maintain his grip on the state’s political structure, while Fubara, despite his suspension, continued to command loyalty from a significant portion of the state’s political elite. The failure to bring these two figures to the table for meaningful dialogue was a significant setback for Ibas’ reconciliation efforts.
The Absence of Wike and Fubara
The absence of Wike and Fubara at the farewell service was a poignant symbol of the challenges facing Rivers State as it prepares to transition back to a regular political order. Wike, who has been a dominant figure in Rivers State politics for over a decade, is currently serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in President Tinubu’s administration. His influence in Rivers State remains formidable, with many local government chairmen and political operatives still loyal to him. Fubara, on the other hand, has been sidelined since his suspension but retains significant support among those who view him as a victim of Wike’s political machinations.
The decision by both men to skip the farewell service was widely interpreted as a sign of their unwillingness to reconcile, at least publicly. Analysts suggest that their absence may reflect a strategic calculation to avoid appearing conciliatory in the eyes of their respective supporters. For Wike, attending the service could have been seen as an acknowledgment of Ibas’ authority and a potential weakening of his own influence. For Fubara, showing up might have been interpreted as a sign of capitulation to the federal government’s intervention, which he has publicly criticized.
The absence of these two figures also raised questions about the future of Rivers State’s political landscape. With Ibas’ tenure ending, the state is set to return to a regular political order, with a new governor or interim leadership expected to take over. However, the lack of resolution between Wike and Fubara suggests that the transition may be fraught with challenges. Political observers warn that without a concerted effort to bridge the divide, Rivers State risks sliding back into the instability that prompted the state of emergency in the first place.
The Path Forward
As Rivers State prepares for the post-Ibas era, the stakes could not be higher. The state’s economic importance, as a hub of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, makes its stability critical not only for its residents but for the nation as a whole. The political crisis has already taken a toll on the state’s economy, with investors wary of the uncertainty and communities grappling with the fallout of unrest.
Ibas’ final remarks at the farewell service encapsulated the hopes and fears of many in Rivers State. “Let us forgive, let us reconcile, and let us heal,” he said. “For where there is peace, there is progress, and where there is love, there is prosperity.” These words, delivered with sincerity and conviction, were a final plea for unity in a state that has been torn apart by division.
The question now is whether the political actors in Rivers State will heed Ibas’ call. The transition back to a regular political order presents an opportunity for a fresh start, but it also carries the risk of renewed conflict if the underlying issues are not addressed. For Wike and Fubara, the path to reconciliation will require a willingness to set aside personal ambitions for the greater good of the state—a tall order given the history of their rivalry.
Broader Implications
The situation in Rivers State is emblematic of broader challenges facing Nigeria’s political system. The country’s federal structure, which grants significant autonomy to states, often leads to intense power struggles at the local level, particularly in resource-rich regions like Rivers. The Wike-Fubara feud is not an isolated case but part of a larger pattern of political rivalries that have destabilized states across the country.
Moreover, the reliance on emergency measures, such as the appointment of sole administrators, raises questions about the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. While Ibas’ tenure was largely successful in restoring a measure of stability, it also highlighted the limitations of temporary interventions in addressing deep-rooted political conflicts. For Rivers State to achieve lasting peace, there will need to be sustained efforts to strengthen democratic processes, promote inclusive governance, and address the socioeconomic grievances that fuel unrest.
Conclusion
The farewell thanksgiving service for Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was more than a ceremonial farewell; it was a moment of reckoning for Rivers State. Ibas’ tenure, though brief, demonstrated the potential for leadership to make a difference even in the most challenging circumstances. His achievements, including the successful conduct of local government elections and the restoration of relative stability, are a testament to his commitment to the people of Rivers State.
Yet, the absence of Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara at the service served as a stark reminder of the work that remains. As Rivers State stands on the cusp of a new chapter, the path to peace and progress will require courage, compromise, and a shared vision for the future. Ibas’ parting words—“where there is peace, there is progress, and where there is love, there is prosperity”—will linger in the air as the state navigates the uncertain road ahead. Whether the political actors in Rivers State will rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but the hope for a united and prosperous Rivers State endures.
