The Rivers State Government has strongly denied claims circulating on social media that a High Court issued an order preventing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the newly appointed Sole Administrator, from resuming his duties in the state. Dr. Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, dismissed the reports as false and intended to escalate political tensions in the state.
In a statement released on Thursday, Dr. Ehie refuted allegations that he had filed a lawsuit challenging the appointment of the Sole Administrator. He described the reports as malicious, accusing individuals of deliberately spreading misinformation to create unrest in Rivers State. Ehie also denounced those behind the false claims, stating that they were “low minds” who could not even properly spell his name.
According to the misleading reports circulating online, Dr. Ehie was said to have obtained a court order from the Rivers State High Court, preventing Admiral Ibas from taking office as the Sole Administrator of the state. The reports falsely claimed that the order was granted in a suit filed by Dr. Ehie, challenging the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu and its constitutionality.
However, in his statement, Dr. Ehie vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as part of a deliberate campaign to stir up trouble in the state. He pointed out the many inaccuracies in the social media posts, noting that the name of the judge, the suit number, and other key details were all fabricated.
“My attention has been drawn to an obvious fake news being spread on social media by delusional minds who are bent on continuing to aggravate the already tensed political atmosphere in the state,” Dr. Ehie said. “They claim that I secured an order from the Rivers State High Court preventing the Sole Administrator from resuming duties. This is entirely false and baseless.”
Ehie also criticized the source of the misinformation, accusing the author of the fake news of being “uneducated and illiterate,” highlighting the errors in spelling both his name and the names of other individuals mentioned in the report. He stressed that these fake claims were part of an ongoing effort to cause division and disaffection among the people of Rivers State.
Despite the spread of these rumors, Dr. Ehie made it clear that he had no intention of disrupting the functioning of the state government or causing unnecessary unrest. He reiterated that he remained law-abiding and fully committed to peaceful governance in the state. He encouraged the public to dismiss the false claims and focus on maintaining peace during the ongoing political challenges.
“The malicious post is meant to create bad blood among the people, and to paint me as a non-conformist,” he added. “I have since decided to be law-abiding, conduct my affairs peacefully in accordance with the law, and hold strong to my faith and God.”
Dr. Ehie’s statement came in response to a series of false claims, which, he argued, were part of an effort by political opponents to undermine the administration of Rivers State’s leadership. With the political situation already tense due to the suspension of Governor Fubara and the state of emergency declared by President Tinubu, Ehie’s words seemed to be a call for unity and calm in the state.
He also warned against the growing trend of misinformation, urging the public to be cautious of reports from unreliable sources. “I have no intention of being a disruptor,” he emphasized, reinforcing his commitment to following the law and ensuring a peaceful political environment in Rivers State.
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been charged following President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state on March 18, 2025. This decision, which involved the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly, has led to widespread debates and criticisms across the country. Many have questioned the legality and motives behind the emergency rule, with some seeing it as a political move to gain control of the state.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) was appointed as the Sole Administrator for Rivers State following the suspension of the elected officials. His appointment, however, has been met with resistance from various quarters, including members of the opposition and critics of the federal government, who view the move as an affront to democratic governance.
Dr. Ehie, who serves as the Chief of Staff to the suspended Governor Fubara, has been an outspoken critic of the state of emergency, which he and other stakeholders in the state believe undermines the authority of the elected government. The ongoing political turmoil has fueled divisions between the state government and the federal authorities, with both sides accusing each other of overstepping constitutional boundaries.
The spread of false information has become a significant issue in Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly during times of heightened tension. The use of social media to spread rumors and fake news has become a powerful tool for those seeking to influence public opinion or disrupt political stability.
Dr. Ehie’s response highlights the dangerous role that misinformation plays in exacerbating political crises. By addressing the fake news head-on, he aims to prevent the public from falling victim to misleading claims that could further inflame the already tense situation in Rivers State.
His call for the public to disregard the false reports is a plea for unity and a focus on legal processes rather than sensationalism. As political tensions continue to rise, it is increasingly important for leaders and citizens alike to remain vigilant against misinformation and work towards a resolution that respects the rule of law and democratic principles.
