Niger Delta human rights activist Ann-Kio Briggs has accused Rivers State Administrator Ibok Ete Ibas of escalating tensions in the state, contrary to President Bola Tinubu’s directive to restore peace. Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, was appointed in March 2025 following Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency, which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, amid political clashes with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Speaking on Monday, Briggs alleged that Ibas is “pouring petrol on a fire” instead of quelling the crisis as instructed. She claimed Ibas removed democratically elected officials and even Fubara’s pictures from the Government House, asserting, “Siminalayi Fubara remains the governor of Rivers State.” Briggs further accused Ibas of overseeing violence, stating he is unwelcome in the state.