Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Rivers Progressives Mandate has condemned the sudden postponement of the scheduled meeting between the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), and the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee. The group described the action as “a bold display of bias, contempt, and vindictiveness against the people of Rivers State.”
In a strongly worded statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Peter Nmerukini, and made available to news platforms, the organization criticized the postponement as an “insult to the intelligence of Rivers people and a direct attack on transparency, justice, and due process.”
“Once again, the Sole Administrator has shown his true colours,” the statement read. “The sudden and unceremonious postponement of the meeting is nothing short of political puppetry at its worst. No cogent reason was given. No accountability was displayed—just an arrogant brush-off of a critical engagement concerning the future of a state he claims to serve.”
The group noted that since assuming office three weeks ago, Vice Admiral Ibas has presided over lopsided appointments and formed questionable political alliances that, according to them, clearly expose his bias.
“You would think that within this time, he would have settled in, understood the terrain, and be ready to face legitimate questions on his activities,” the statement added. “But instead, he dodges the very first opportunity to speak truthfully before a statutory committee.”
Rivers Progressives Mandate raised suspicion over the delay, questioning whether the Sole Administrator was yet to receive instructions from those who allegedly installed him in office or whether he was simply waiting for his political paymasters to determine the “version of the lies” to present.
“Let us not forget—he has been moving around, visiting project sites, holding private meetings, and granting audience to a select few approved by his handlers. That alone proves he is not unfamiliar with state affairs. So why the fear? Why the hesitation?”
The statement further described the postponement as a deliberate manipulation tactic designed to delay scrutiny, sanitize narratives, and protect the real architects of what they described as an ongoing political illegality in Rivers State.
“This is not about preparation—it is about manipulation. It is a cowardly delay meant to buy time and shield those behind this charade. The Sole Administrator is merely a pawn, installed not to serve the people but to serve the ego and vengeance of a select few.”
The group concluded by stating that the Sole Administrator’s actions so far reek of exclusion, vendetta, and a total lack of respect for the democratic will of the people, warning that the ongoing political interference undermines the peace and order painstakingly established by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Signed:
Peter Nmerukini
Public Relations Officer
Rivers Progressives Mandate
