Ibok-Ete Ibas has unveiled a brand new agenda to reshape Rivers State’s establishments beneath emergency rule. However is that this real reform or strategic consolidation of energy?
PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA – Might 13, 2025 – In a daring declaration that’s already elevating eyebrows throughout political circles, Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has said that his administration is laying a “stable basis for good governance” amid a turbulent political local weather within the state.
Talking on Monday whereas declaring open a four-day management coaching workshop organized in collaboration with the celebrated Nationwide Institute for Coverage and Strategic Research (NIPSS), Ibas informed senior public officers in Port Harcourt that his interim authorities isn’t just a caretaker administration, however a reformist power meant to reposition Rivers State for long-term transformation.
“We’re not right here to handle a disaster; we’re right here to rebuild establishments,” Ibas stated, addressing a gathering of everlasting secretaries, administrators, and native authorities directors.
The management workshop, which introduced collectively key gamers from throughout ministries and native councils, marks the primary high-level coverage and governance engagement since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu imposed emergency rule and appointed Ibas as sole administrator on March 18, 2025. The political intervention adopted months of escalating battle amongst warring factions in Rivers’ energy corridors, resulting in a close to breakdown of legislative and government capabilities.
Whereas critics have questioned the legitimacy and constitutionality of the emergency declaration, Ibas is pushing forward with what he calls a “governance reset.”
“This administration is dedicated to constructing robust establishments, selling effectivity, and fostering a results-driven public service,” he stated, including that the present political vacuum gives a “uncommon alternative” to reengineer the foundations of governance with out political interference.
In line with him, the management workshop just isn’t a ceremonial gesture however a tactical funding in capability constructing for high bureaucrats anticipated to drive a brand new tradition of public service.
Ibas referred to as on individuals to totally embrace the coaching, saying it was tailor-made to equip them with instruments to guide by means of complexity, champion reforms, and strengthen native authorities autonomy.
Observers, nevertheless, consider the give attention to native authorities reform could possibly be a veiled try to achieve tighter management over grassroots political constructions, particularly forward of a possible transition to civilian governance.
“This coaching is designed to equip you with the insights essential to ship significant outcomes to our communities. I urge you to embrace it with a transparent dedication to translate studying into motion,” Ibas stated.
He added that frequent, related coaching is essential to breaking the cycle of poor service supply, stagnation, and forms that has crippled governance throughout a number of states.
However not everyone seems to be satisfied. Some political stakeholders argue that whereas the workshop might seem developmental on the floor, it may function a strategic cowl for deeper political realignments taking place behind the scenes in Rivers State.
Since Ibas assumed workplace beneath controversial circumstances, Rivers State has remained deeply polarized. Questions proceed to swirl across the legality of the President’s intervention, the sidelining of elected officers, and the rising concern that democracy within the state is being undermined by government fiat.
Nonetheless, Ibas seems unfazed. “We’re laying a basis that may serve not simply the current era however generations to come back,” he stated confidently.
The workshop continues by means of the week, with facilitators from NIPSS anticipated to ship classes on public sector innovation, institutional resilience, and decentralized governance.
Whether or not this initiative will beginning the lasting reforms Rivers desperately wants — or just consolidate a political takeover in disguise — stays a query solely time and transparency can reply.
