PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – The Rivers State Government has defended its decision to retrieve official vehicles from the residence of Ngozi Odu, the suspended deputy governor, describing it as a routine administrative measure rather than a politically motivated act.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Adviser on Media to Ibok-Ete Ibas, the state’s sole administrator, confirmed that two Toyota Hilux vans and one Hiace bus were recovered from Odu’s official premises.
“This routine administrative action, aimed at securing government property, has been twisted by political opportunists seeking to create unnecessary tension,” the statement read.
The clarification comes amid growing criticism and accusations of executive overreach in the wake of a series of sweeping decisions by Ibas, who declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in late March.
Igbikiowubo challenged critics to justify why the vehicles remained with the suspended deputy governor more than a month after the emergency declaration, arguing that public assets must be accounted for, especially in a transitional political climate.
“The Rivers State Government maintains that the recovery of its assets cannot reasonably be construed as executive overreach,” he added.
“This administration remains committed to prudent management of public resources and will not be distracted by baseless allegations.”
He further urged restraint from political actors and the public, warning against the escalation of tensions through misinformation.
“The public is advised to disregard sensationalised accounts of this incident and focus instead on the government’s ongoing efforts to restore stability and good governance in Rivers State,” the statement concluded.
Since assuming sweeping powers, Ibas has suspended all state boards and parastatals, dismissed key appointees of the suspended governor, and taken control of state administrative functions in what observers describe as one of the most turbulent political periods in Rivers’ recent history.
