Rivers Gov’t Under Fire as Ibas Orders Military-Style Retrieval of Deputy Governor’s Vehicles

Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), is facing backlash following the forceful retrieval of three official vehicles from the residence of suspended Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu. The vehicles—two Toyota Hilux trucks and one Toyota Hiace bus—were seized in a controversial early morning operation reportedly led by naval officers and state officials.

While the state government defended the action as a move to safeguard government property, critics, including Democracy Watch Nigeria, condemned the move as a disturbing abuse of power. The group’s spokesperson, Elder Vincent Chimene Wopara, described the raid as a “commando-style” provocation aimed at humiliating a constitutionally recognized office.

The incident has intensified public outcry and raised concerns over the erosion of democratic norms in the state’s governance.