Rivers State’s Sole Administrator Marks Six Months of Transformative Leadership Amid Challenges
By Exponent News, Akure, 16th September, 2025.
In just six months at the helm, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.)—appointed as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State in March 2025—has spearheaded a period of notable progress across security, infrastructure, and governance. While his leadership has restored calm and initiated vital projects, critical issues such as transparency and political legitimacy continue to challenge the administration’s path forward.
Achievements That Stand Out
Restoration of Security and Peace
Upon assuming office, Vice Admiral Ibas made security his top priority, deploying joint security teams across urban and vulnerable areas. This move drastically reduced violent crimes and communal unrest, bringing a renewed sense of safety to markets and neighborhoods, much to the relief of residents.
Infrastructure Development
Significant strides have been made in rebuilding the Rivers State House of Assembly complex. The ambitious project includes a modern two-storey building featuring 34 en-suite offices, meeting rooms, and a conference hall—an effort aimed at revitalizing legislative activities and restoring institutional order.
Public Service Reforms
To bolster public service efficiency, the administration commenced a phased rehabilitation of the State Secretariat Complex to provide a conducive working environment for civil servants. Additionally, leadership training workshops for senior officers were launched, signaling a commitment to better governance and service delivery.
Fiscal Management and Budget Planning
The 2025 budget, totaling ₦1.48 trillion, earmarked substantial investments in healthcare (₦50 billion), education (₦30 billion), and women’s economic empowerment (₦2.5 billion), reflecting a focused drive towards inclusive development and social welfare.
Economic Diversification Efforts
Vice Admiral Ibas has urged state economic agencies to reduce dependence on federal allocations by automating revenue collection and plugging leakages. Support for micro and small enterprises has also been emphasized as a key strategy for boosting local economic growth.
Areas Needing Urgent Attention
Transparency and Accountability
Despite these achievements, the administration faced sharp criticism for failing to release the Q1 2025 budget performance report—the first lapse in over a year—raising concerns about the effective management and utilization of public funds.
Political Legitimacy and Governance
The Sole Administrator’s appointment, following the suspension of elected officials, remains controversial. Questions persist regarding the democratic validity of governing without an elected legislature, despite recognition of Ibas’s leadership capabilities.
Local Government Administration
Local government councils continue to lag in implementing developmental initiatives. Though Ibas has called for greater accountability and action from council administrators, stronger oversight mechanisms are essential to ensure grassroots progress.
The Road Ahead
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas’s six-month tenure as Rivers State’s Sole Administrator showcases a blend of commendable progress and unresolved challenges. Moving forward, addressing transparency deficits, political legitimacy concerns, and strengthening local governance will be pivotal to sustaining growth and ensuring long-term stability for Rivers State.
