The Director General of the Simplified Movement Worldwide, Rt. Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi, DSSRS, JP on behalf of the leadership and entire members of the Simplified Movement heartily welcomes the Sole Administrator of Rivers State Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as he assumes office under the Emergency Rule proclaimed in the State by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
We are confident that as a former naval chief and the immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana, the Sole Administrator will leverage on his wealth of experience to steer the affairs of the State within the period of his stay in office.
The Simplified Movement strongly refutes comment credited to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, alleging that killings occasioned by heightened insecurity in Rivers State prompted the President to declare the State of Emergency.
We consider the Attorney General’s claim as baseless, fallacious, and an ill-fated attempt to justify the declaration of the State of Emergency.
Rivers State has been largely peaceful with improved security under the pragmatic leadership of our peace-loving Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS despite the political impasse in the State.
We believe the President may have been wrongly advised by the Attorney General and his associates to declare the Emergency Rule in the State.
To demonstrate his maturity, respect for the rule of law and his philosophy that no sacrifice is too much to pay for peace, Governor Fubara heeded the advice of the President that he should ‘stoop to conquer’ by complying fully with the Supreme Court judgment.
The Governor made several unsuccessful attempts to present the 2025 Budget before the Rivers State House of Assembly, including officially inviting them to a meeting to outline modalities of implementation of the Supreme Court judgment, which they rebuffed.
Furthermore, he was denied access to the Assembly Quarters for the budget presentation, despite notifying the Assembly of his planned visit, which they claimed not to have received.
The Governor had planned to return to the Assembly Quarters on Wednesday, 19th March, for a third attempt, after notifying them, which they also denied, to present the budget before the President declared the State of Emergency on Tuesday night, 18th March.
Despite disagreeing with the Supreme Court judgment, Governor Fubara had demonstrated enough willingness and sincerity to implement the judgment.
However, the Governor’s efforts were deliberately frustrated by the Rivers State House of Assembly, whose ultimate goal was to impeach him, and not to receive the budget, under the guise of gross misconduct, including non-presentation of an appropriation bill which they intentionally failed to receive.
Your Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, an epitome of Nigeria’s democracy, rest assured that, the Simplified Movement Worldwide which is arguably the most formidable and indomitable socio-political movement in Rivers State and beyond stands solidly behind you, through thick and thin.
We have consistently challenged your detractors to show us your offence, they are unable to give any valid reason why they want you out other than your refusal to allow them control the resources of the State at the expense of millions of Rivers people.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you Your Excellency in this challenging time for the emancipation of the sole of our dear State.
Trust, you shall emerge victorious, and even stronger.
The Simplified Movement Worldwide acknowledges with profound appreciation the overwhelming support, solidarity and prayers for Governor Fubara by millions of Nigerians in the State, across the country and beyond.
We urge continuous prayers for our dear Governor as we remain peaceful in the face of provocation this period.
Signed:
Rt. Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi, DSSRS, JP
Director General of the Simplified Movement Worldwide,
Saturday 22nd March, 2025.
