Hector Igbikiowubo, the senior special assistant on media to Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers State, has expressed growing concern over the continued wave of protests in the state, saying they are beginning to wear down the administrators patience. Since Ibas was appointed by President Bola Tinubu following the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers, Port Harcourt has seen a surge of protests and counter-protests. The emergency rule, declared on March 18, was prompted by a prolonged political crisis and the destruction of vital oil infrastructure. The declaration also led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state assembly for an initial six-month period. In an interview with Punch, Igbikiowubo emphasised that the emergency rule grants the sole administrator sweeping powers, but noted that Ibas has shown considerable restraint in dealing with the protests. The fact that people are able to protest speaks to the administrators level of tolerance, he said. If you check the gazette declaring emergency rule, you will see that it grants the administrator sweeping powers. Yes, sweeping powers. But fortunately for Rivers residents, the administrator has exercised restraint. The media aide described the ongoing protests as a test of the administrators will and called on residents to exercise caution and restraint. It is important that we allow a cool head to prevail at this time. All hands must be on deck to restore democratic institutions, he added. Igbikiowubo also stressed that the restoration of democratic governance in Rivers cannot be achieved through intimidation or public demonstrations. He noted that Ibas is actively engaging stakeholders in peace-building efforts aimed at stabilizing the state.
Rivers protesters testing will of sole administrator - Aide
Hector Igbikiowubo, the senior special assistant on media to Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers State, has expressed growing concern over the continued wave of protests in the state, saying they are beginning to wear down the administrators patience. Since Ibas was appointed by President Bola Tinubu following the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers, Port Harcourt has seen a surge of protests and counter-protests. The emergency rule, declared on March 18, was prompted by a prolonged political crisis and the destruction of vital oil infrastructure. The declaration also led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state assembly for an initial six-month period. In an interview with Punch, Igbikiowubo emphasised that the emergency rule grants the sole administrator sweeping powers, but noted that Ibas has shown considerable restraint in dealing with the protests. The fact that people are able to protest speaks to the administrators level of tolerance, he said. If you check the gazette declaring emergency rule, you will see that it grants the administrator sweeping powers. Yes, sweeping powers. But fortunately for Rivers residents, the administrator has exercised restraint. The media aide described the ongoing protests as a test of the administrators will and called on residents to exercise caution and restraint. It is important that we allow a cool head to prevail at this time. All hands must be on deck to restore democratic institutions, he added. Igbikiowubo also stressed that the restoration of democratic governance in Rivers cannot be achieved through intimidation or public demonstrations. He noted that Ibas is actively engaging stakeholders in peace-building efforts aimed at stabilizing the state.
0 Comments