The appointed aides of the outgoing Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, openly revolted over claims of their unpaid allowances and benefits.
This was as they were preparing for departure after the expiration of the six months that the declaration of a State of Emergency lasted in the state.
To the consternation of the aides, they found it difficult to understand why Vice Admiral Ibas could be preparing to depart without saying anything concerning their entitlements while he was believed to have collected every of his own allowances and other entitlements.
One of the permanent civil servants attached to the Government House, Port Harcourt told Forefront News on telephone on condition of anonymity that the scene created by the aides who hitherto dominated every part of the Government House was unbelievable.
According to the staff; “It was a total breakdown of decorum as pandemonium took over the Government House. The aides suddenly became unruly as some of them including security personnel openly accused Vice Admiral Ibas (retd) of trying to sneak away with Rivers State’s wealth while leaving those of them that served him stranded”.
The eye witness further said that the pandemonium degenerated as the situation became tensed, a development that led the Chief of Staff to Ibas to step in and douse the fire as pleaded with the angry aides with assurance that something will be done to address their demands.
The unfortunate incident attracted negative jabs and strong criticisms from different quarters in Rivers State as most people noted that the revolt merely reflected the reported poor management and mistrust that enveloped the six months administration of Ibas, who saw himself like a lord of the minors.
Political observers also point to the fact that the revolt by Ibas aides on the eve of his official department points to the picture and pattern of his style of governance.
“It is about the deeper failure of leadership that leaves bitterness, suspicion, and disgrace in its trail. When those closest to a leader can no longer defend him, it says a lot about the legacy he is leaving behind,” a political analyst said.
