Ibot-Ete Ekwe Becomes the New Bride in Rivers … Will Wike Have Control over Him?

Rivers State has been thrust into an unprecedented political storm. On Tuesday, March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy and appointing in their place Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd). The move rolled off widespread debate, with analysts questioning whether Ibas will operate independently or fall under the influence of Nyesom Wike, the state’s former governor and a dominant force in its politics.

Rivers’ troubles began in 2023 when a rift between Fubara and Wike erupted into open conflict. The former governor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), allegedly sought to maintain his grip on state politics, while Fubara attempted to assert his authority.

This struggle quickly escalated, going from the bombing of the Rivers House of Assembly complex, to defections among lawmakers, and repeated legal battles. As impeachment threats loomed over Fubara, the crisis reached its peak, leading to Tinubu’s intervention and the appointment of Ibas.

While Tinubu justified his decision by citing security concerns, critics argue that the move selectively removed Fubara while leaving Wike untouched. The absence of consequences for Wike raises questions about whether the federal government is entrenching his influence rather than restoring order.

Ibas, a seasoned military officer and former Chief of Naval Staff, now faces a political minefield. His appointment brings a layer of federal oversight to Rivers, but it remains unclear whether he will act as a stabilising force or an enforcer of external interests.

Military administrators have historically been viewed as neutral arbiters in Nigerian politics, yet history shows that even the most disciplined officers can become political pawns when the stakes are high. According to analysts, if Ibas aligns with Wike, the cycle of dominance will continue; if he resists, he risks being undermined by entrenched forces.

For the people of Rivers, governance remains a distant concept overshadowed by political intrigue. Roads, schools, and hospitals do not benefit from endless power struggles. If Ibas is to justify his appointment, he must prioritise governance over allegiance. Anything less would prove that Rivers has merely exchanged one battlefront for another, with little hope for lasting peace.