CHISOM Gbali, the suspended Commissioner for Youth Development in Rivers State, has criticised the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), for allegedly cancelling projects previously approved by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In an interview with Arise TV on Monday, Gbali claimed that contractors are being directed to refund funds allocated for these projects, describing such actions as unprecedented and likening them to characteristics of a “banana republic.”
Gbali also expressed frustration over the lack of implementation of conflict resolution measures proposed by the National Assembly to address the state’s political crisis. He noted that, despite recommendations to form a high-level committee for resolving the issues, no such committee has been established by either the Presidency or the National Assembly.
Gbali also accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike and his cohorts of plans to extend the state of emergency in the state.
Gbali said Wike and his cohorts are planning to create problems that would lead to President Bola Tinubu extending the state of emergency in the state.
These developments follow President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on 18 March 2025, leading to the suspension of Governor Fubara and the appointment of Ibas as the sole administrator.
Eighteen-Eleven Media