TJNewsNG has obtained a disturbing viral video showing the destruction of a billboard bearing the image of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area has intensified the political crisis engulfing Rivers State. The act, allegedly carried out under the directive of the newly appointed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), has reignited public anger and renewed criticism of his controversial role since assuming office.
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Background: Appointment Amidst Political Turmoil
The roots of the ongoing turmoil trace back to March 18, 2025, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing prolonged political instability and security threats. This declaration led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. In their place, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.) as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs. citeturn0search0
Vice Admiral Ibas, born on September 27, 1960, has a distinguished military career, having served as the Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. Following his retirement, he was appointed as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, serving from 2021 to 2023. citeturn0search0
The Viral Billboard Incident
The latest controversy erupted after a video surfaced online showing the governor’s billboard being forcefully taken down at the Obio/Akpor LGA Council premises. This act followed immediately after the swearing-in of newly selected Local Government Administrators by the Sole Administrator—a ceremony boycotted by several key political figures in the state.
Observers interpret the billboard’s destruction as an act of political aggression, designed to challenge Governor Fubara’s legitimacy and authority. While official statements are still pending, the footage has already triggered widespread condemnation across social and political platforms.
Rivers Women Protest: A Growing Movement
In a powerful show of resistance, thousands of women across Rivers State have taken to the streets in recent weeks, protesting against what they describe as “an illegal and undemocratic imposition” of the Sole Administrator. Clad in traditional attire and carrying placards with messages of solidarity, the women have staged peaceful demonstrations calling for the return of democratic processes and an end to what they term “executive dictatorship.”
“We voted for our leaders, not for them to be replaced in Abuja,” one protester said during a rally in Port Harcourt. The protests have been hailed as a grassroots movement against political interference and a call for genuine representation.
Political Fallout and National Implications
The developments in Rivers State are being closely watched at the national level, with political analysts warning that the crisis could set a dangerous precedent for federal interference in state governance. Legal experts argue that the appointment of a Sole Administrator—bypassing elected local government officials—raises constitutional concerns.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has remained relatively silent, perhaps choosing a more strategic path as the political dust continues to swirl. His supporters, however, are demanding swift action and accountability for what they see as deliberate attempts to undermine his administration.
Editor’s Commentary: A State at a Crossroads
Rivers State now stands at a political crossroads, as the power tussle between federal appointees and state-elected leaders threatens to derail governance and peace. With public sentiment clearly leaning toward democratic restoration, the coming weeks may determine not only the future of local governance in Rivers but also the broader integrity of Nigeria’s federal structure.
