The Simplified Movement Worldwide, a major grassroots mobilisation group for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has welcomed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the newly appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State under the Emergency Rule declared by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement signed by its Director General, Evans Bipi, the group expressed confidence in Ibas’ ability to manage the state’s affairs, citing his vast experience as a former naval chief and Nigeria’s immediate past High Commissioner to Ghana.
However, the group strongly refuted comments attributed to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, which suggested that the Emergency Rule was necessitated by rising insecurity in Rivers State.
The Simplified Movement described these claims as “baseless and fallacious,” insisting that the state had remained largely peaceful under Governor Fubara despite the political tensions. The group argued that the President may have been misled into declaring the Emergency Rule and emphasized Governor Fubara’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
According to the statement, the governor had made multiple attempts to present the 2025 budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling but was met with resistance.
“The Governor was denied access to the Assembly Quarters despite formally notifying lawmakers of his intention to present the budget. Even after scheduling a third attempt for March 19, the House rebuffed the invitation, only for the Emergency Rule to be declared on the night of March 18,” the statement read.
The group accused the Assembly of deliberately frustrating the governor’s efforts, claiming that their ultimate goal was impeachment rather than legislative oversight. It reaffirmed its unwavering support for Governor Fubara, portraying him as a victim of political manoeuvring aimed at wresting control of the state’s resources.
“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 Simplified Movement urged continued prayers for Governor Fubara and called for peace amid the unfolding political crisis.
