A political sociologist and Government Studies expert at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Stiv Wordu, has described the 18-man committee set up by the Senate to oversee the activities of Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd), as “unnecessary” and “redundant.”

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had, during Tuesday’s plenary session, announced the committee, stating that the move was aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability in the governance of Rivers State.
Akpabio also described the committee’s mandate as critical to ensuring effective legislative oversight.

But Prof. Wordu criticized the move, saying the Senate’s actions and decisions were contrary to the constitution and perceived as not beneficial to the majority of Rivers people, but rather to a few cabals.

The varsity don said that Ibas acknowledged finding peace in Rivers State immediately after his arrival following the declaration of the state of emergency, stating that it was appropriate for him (Ibas) to report back to the government that, contrary to why he was sent to Rivers State, the state is peaceful.

The Professor of Sociology Development, in an interview with The Guardian on Tuesday, said such a report by Ibas would have ended all the unnecessary decisions by the Senate.

However, he decried that the disturbing issue is that Ibas’ activities are rather promoting agitations in the state, alleging that the Sole Administrator, by his actions, is instigating violence in the state in order to be retained in the “illegal” position he is occupying.

“Ibas met a peaceful state, but his activities have generated agitations and provocations, such as protests by women. Such provocations arising from his activities can degenerate into violence that they may now use to justify the state of insecurity in the state,” said Prof. Wordu.

Recall that Ibas, upon resumption as the State Sole Administrator, sacked all the political appointees, the heads of boards and parastatals. He also appointed Sole Administrators to the 23 local government areas of the state and threatened residents not to stage any protests, among other actions.

Prof. Wordu, however, advised, “The Sole Administrator should endeavor to maintain his legacy rather than allow his name to be soiled in this position. A man like him should have no business with politicians. He should not allow himself to be used.”

He also urged the Senate to reconsider its position in the constitution and reverse its decisions in Rivers State.

“The Senate should not do things that may make Governor Siminalayi Fubara succumb to conditions that will not be in the interest of the state but will be a way of accepting defeat,” he said.

Similarly, a political activist, Anabs Sara-Igbe, cautioned political leaders to stop using bullying and harassment as strategies to fight states and governors ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said, “Bullying and harassment of governors are not the ultimate strategy for 2027. Some dynamics may happen that can change the game; therefore, political leaders should be careful with their actions.”