Former Sole Administrator Ibas
Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Chief Onueze Okocha, has urged the Rivers State House of Assembly to shelve any plans to probe Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who served as the Sole Administrator of the state earlier this year.
Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday, Okocha advised lawmakers to redirect their efforts towards rebuilding the state through meaningful legislative action, rather than initiating inquiries that may be seen as politically motivated.
Ibas was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as Rivers State’s sole administrator between March and September 2025, following the temporary suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Since his departure from office, calls have emerged for an investigation into his six-month tenure.
However, Okocha warned that such a probe might be perceived as a witch-hunt, arguing that Ibas was not accountable to the state assembly but to the President who appointed him.
“I think Vice Admiral Ibas deserves respect. He was brought in to carry out a specific mandate during an emergency. He neither reported to the assembly nor was answerable to them,” Okocha said.
He emphasized the need for harmony among the three arms of government, Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, stating that conflict would hinder progress in the state.
“If Rivers State must move forward, the focus should be on restoring peace, strengthening institutions, and rebuilding democratic structures, not engaging in retroactive political battles,” he added.
Okocha concluded by urging the lawmakers to prioritize legislative responsibilities that promote development and stability over politically divisive actions.
