A socio-political group, the Simplicity Movement, has raised concerns over the recent explosions at oil facilities in Rivers State, alleging that they are part of a larger plot to make the presidency extend the state of emergency in the state.
The group is urging the Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Retd.), to launch a thorough investigation into the incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, citing heightened security concerns fueled by political crisis.
However, the Simplicity Movement argued that the explosions occurring before and after the declaration were being staged to justify extending the emergency rule beyond the initial six-month period.
Speaking after a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt, the National Leader of the Simplicity Movement, Sobomabo Jackrich, described the explosions as politically motivated.
“We believe these incidents are being orchestrated by those who seek to keep Rivers State under unconstitutional control. The people of Rivers State must not be subjected to indefinite military rule under the guise of security concerns,” he said.
The group also raised concerns about governance at the local government level, alleging plans to appoint sole administrators to head the 23 local government areas instead of conducting the scheduled council elections in August 2025.
“This is an attempt to undermine democracy. The people of Rivers State must be allowed to choose their leaders through a free and fair electoral process,” Jackrich added.
The group also condemned the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state House of Assembly, calling it an attack on democratic institutions.
“Suspending an elected governor without due process is a dangerous precedent. Any further undemocratic action will only worsen the crisis and deepen divisions in the state,” Jackrich warned.
While acknowledging that the visit of the new Administrator to the Assembly building site has exposed the untrue narrative that the Governor abandoned the construction. The group insisted that the president is unfair to the governor, noting that they soon will understand the truth.
“We welcome the Sole Administrator with the belief that this unconstitutional rule is not permanent. Rivers people cannot be denied their rights to elect their leaders,” Jackrich stated.
The controversy surrounding the emergency rule has sparked widespread reactions, with critics arguing that it could be a ploy to stifle political opposition.
A case has already been filed at the ECOWAS Court in Abuja, challenging the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the governor and impose emergency rule in the state.
