News
Ibas pouring petrol on fire in Rivers, Briggs laments
By Francesca Hangeior
Human rights activist and prominent Rivers State commentator, Ann-Kio Briggs, has criticised the ongoing actions of the Federal Government by appointing a sole administrator in Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, (retd.), accusing him of implementing a dangerous and unconstitutional agenda.
Briggs warned that the situation in Rivers State was becoming volatile due to the administrator’s continued defiance of court orders and his sweeping reconstitution of state and local government institutions.
“If we accept that Vice Admiral Ibas was called out of retirement and sent to Rivers State to keep the peace, then he is very far from doing that. In fact, what he’s doing is pouring petrol on a fire the president may have thought was simmering. He’s set it ablaze,” Briggs said.
Since President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State has been operating without commissioners or an active executive cabinet.
However, rather than serving as a neutral caretaker, Ibas has taken bold steps by removing elected local government officials, appointing caretaker administrators, and even constituting a new electoral commission to oversee local polls.
According to Briggs, these actions violate both the spirit and letter of the law.
“He’s not from Rivers State. How does he know who to appoint? On what basis is he removing civil servants and replacing them? That’s unconstitutional,” she said.
Briggs further alleged that the sole administrator is acting with open political bias and is effectively advancing the interests of a powerful political figure.
“The people being removed are not Wike’s people. The people he is bringing in are Wike’s people. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure that out. He’s playing a dangerous script,” she stated.
She also called on President Tinubu to re-evaluate the basis of the federal government’s intervention in Rivers State.
“There was no insecurity in Rivers State. The president has been grossly misinformed—through no fault of his own—but clearly misinformed by those with personal, political, economic, and power interests in Rivers State.”
Briggs urged that respected national figures with proven neutrality—like Bishop Matthew Kukah and General Abdulsalami Abubakar —be considered for any peacebuilding roles in Rivers.
“We would have more confidence if neutral individuals like them were involved. Frankly, we don’t want Ibas in that role.”
As the crisis deepened, the activist warned of the rising anger among Rivers’s people and the possibility of civil unrest.
“There is serious concern. I say this as a daughter of Rivers State. This kind of situation can explode,” she said.
In a move to foster skills acquisition and promote economic empowerment, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Secretariat through the Department of Mass Education has flagged off a one-week free holiday vocational and entrepreneurship training program.
The program is a collaborative initiative of the FCT Department of Mass Education, The Potter’s Wheel Foundation, and the Nigerian Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS).
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo emphasized the Importance of skills acquisition and entrepreneurship in today’s world describing it as imperative to be self reliant , empowered and resourceful.
He highlighted the Wike- led FCT Administration’s commitment to championing the Renewed Hope Agenda adding that the initiative is a critical strategy for reducing unemployment and building resilience among Abuja residents through practical skill acquisition and entrepreneurship training.
He commended the Department on the synergy between the government and non-governmental organizations noting that it will further empower the people of the FCT with skills and knowledge that lead to viable income-generating opportunities.
He urged the participants to fully utilize the opportunity, network actively and apply themselves diligently to the various training sessions.
In her welcome address,Dr. Favour Edem -Nse,the Director, FCT Department of Mass Education said,the training aligns with Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs) and contributes significantly to reducing the number of out- of- school children, unskilled youths and unemployed women in the Federal Capital Territory.
She added that, the Department goal is not just to train but to guide participants towards becoming self – sufficient and successful entrepreneurs .
She noted that the one week free training program is a manifestation of the Department ‘s broader vision of literacy and lifelong learning.
She revealed that the Department in collaboration with The Potter’s Wheel Foundation and the Nigerian Non- Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services( NOGALSS) will train them hands on session in production of laundry soap,bleach , liquid soap, toilet and car wash , disinfectant,air freshener,snack among others as well as key entrepreneurship modules on Bookkeeping and financial management, marketing and branding with social media management.
She expressed her gratitude to the Mandate Secretary for Education and the Management for the massive support of the life changing opportunity program targeted at women,youths, children and other community residents to equip them with tools for economic self reliance .
The well attended program which drew partner organizations, staff of the Department of Mass Education and enthusiastic participants will run throughout the week with facilitators providing continued support beyond the training period.
A 28-year-old electrician, whose name has not been revealed, has been electrocuted in Oyo State at Eruwa in Ibarapa East of Oyo State.
The victim was electrocuted at the Odo Babaode area of the town.
The man was electrocuted on a high-tension cable belonging to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
The incident occurred when the victim was trying to rectify an electrical fault on the active power lines without being shut down from the feeder.
The General Manager of Oyo State Fire Service, Mr Yemi Akinyinka, who confirmed the development, said a distress call was received by the agency Wednesday afternoon.
He said, “The distressed call was reported at 15:29hrs on Wednesday, 23rd April, 2025.
“The fire personnel led by PFS1 Peluola Babatunde quickly followed the caller and on arrival at the place, we met the victim already electrocuted, and all necessary precautionary measures were observed so as to safeguard the citizens within the vicinity.
“The man was recovered and handed over to a team of police from Eruwa police Station. The incident occurred when the victim (electrician) was trying to rectify an electrical fault on the active power lines without shutting down the feeder.”
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