Former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), has defended his six-month tenure as administrator during the emergency rule period, amid mounting calls from opposition leaders for an independent probe into his stewardship. The opposition insists that the short-lived administration requires scrutiny, citing concerns over transparency, governance, and the management of public funds.
Ibas, who was appointed by the federal government to oversee the state during its crisis, maintained that his administration acted within the law and prioritized security and stability above all else. He explained that the emergency measures were necessary at the time to restore order and prevent further deterioration of the situation, stressing that his government was accountable in its operations.
“The emergency rule was never about personal ambition,” Ibas said in response to critics. “It was about stabilizing the state, safeguarding lives and property, and creating the conditions for a return to normal governance. Every decision we took was guided by the urgency of that mission.”
However, opposition parties remain unconvinced, accusing the administrator of presiding over a period marked by alleged financial irregularities, lack of transparency, and questionable contract awards. They are calling for a legislative inquiry into the tenure, arguing that accountability must be ensured, regardless of the short duration of the emergency administration.
Political analysts note that the debate has further polarized opinion, with supporters crediting Ibas for averting a deeper security crisis, while critics insist his administration failed to deliver on promises of transparency. The controversy has also reignited wider discussions about the use of emergency rule in Nigeria and whether it undermines democratic institutions.
Opposition leaders have vowed to press ahead with their demand for a probe, warning that failure to address lingering questions could damage public trust. They argue that the people deserve to know how state resources were managed during the six-month intervention.
Despite the pressure, Ibas has reiterated his willingness to cooperate with any official inquiry, insisting that his records will vindicate him. He called on Nigerians to judge his administration by the stability achieved during a period of crisis rather than the criticisms now being advanced by political opponents.
