Pandemonium broke out at the Rivers State Government House today as aides to Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), the state’s sole administrator, staged a protest over unpaid allowances and entitlements. The chaotic scene unfolded as Ibas was reportedly preparing to vacate his office, triggering a furious reaction from those who had served him.
According to sources within the Government House, the situation escalated when aides, including members of Ibas’s security detail, accused him of attempting to leave office without settling their financial dues. Eyewitnesses described a scene of shouting and public distress, with some aides openly lamenting what they called an attempt by the outgoing administrator to “sneak away” with state funds while leaving them in a lurch.
The tension was so high that Ibas’s Chief of Staff had to intervene, making frantic appeals to the angry group to de-escalate the situation. The Chief of Staff reportedly offered vague assurances that “something will be done” to address their grievances.
The incident is seen by many in Rivers State as a final, dramatic symbol of Ibas’s controversial tenure. For months, his administration has been criticized for mismanagement and a perceived lack of transparency. The revolt by his own staff is viewed as a stark betrayal of trust and a reflection of the bitterness left behind by his leadership.
As his exit nears, the protest highlights a legacy that many believe is marked not by honor, but by discord and alleged financial impropriety. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences when leaders are perceived to have failed in their stewardship, betraying not just the public but also those closest to them.
