The Simplified Movement Worldwide, a key grassroots mobilisation group supporting Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has welcomed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the newly appointed Sole Administrator of the state under the Emergency Rule declared by President Bola Tinubu.
The group expressed confidence in Ibas’ ability to manage the state’s affairs, citing his extensive experience as a former naval chief and Nigeria’s recent High Commissioner to Ghana.
In a statement signed by its Director General, Evans Bipi, the group expressed its optimism about Ibas’ leadership but strongly rejected statements attributed to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. Fagbemi had suggested that the Emergency Rule in Rivers State was a response to escalating insecurity. The Simplified Movement, however, described these assertions as “baseless and fallacious,” arguing that the state had remained largely peaceful under Governor Fubara’s leadership, despite ongoing political tensions.
The group further suggested that the declaration of the Emergency Rule may have been based on misleading information, reiterating Governor Fubara’s steadfast commitment to the rule of law and the peaceful governance of the state.
The statement detailed several attempts made by Governor Fubara to present the 2025 budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly, in alignment with the Supreme Court ruling. According to the group, the governor was repeatedly obstructed, including being denied access to the Assembly and having his invitation to present the budget for March 19 rejected. The Emergency Rule was declared the night before, on March 18.
The Simplified Movement accused the state Assembly of deliberately frustrating the governor’s efforts, claiming that the Assembly’s real aim was impeachment rather than fulfilling its oversight duties. They characterized this as a political manoeuvre aimed at seizing control of the state’s resources.
In closing, the group reaffirmed its unwavering support for Governor Fubara, calling him a victim of political machinations. “Your Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, an epitome of Nigeria’s democracy, rest assured that the Simplified Movement Worldwide, the most formidable socio-political movement in Rivers State and beyond, stands solidly behind you,” the statement concluded.
The group also called for continued prayers for Governor Fubara and urged peace amidst the unfolding political crisis in the state.
