Nigeria TV Info 

Emergency Rule: Ibas Defends Six-Month Tenure as Opposition Demands Probe

Former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), has defended his six-month tenure as Administrator under emergency rule, stressing that his leadership was guided by constitutional provisions and the overriding need to stabilize governance during a period of national insecurity.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Ibas explained that his administration focused on restoring peace, maintaining law and order, and ensuring continuity of government operations despite difficult circumstances. He highlighted that emergency measures were implemented strictly within the law, including security deployments, economic interventions, and policy directives meant to prevent a breakdown of governance.

Ibas argued that the six-month emergency period was not only constitutional but also necessary to restore confidence among citizens and international partners. “We acted in line with the provisions of the Constitution. Every decision taken was documented and subjected to appropriate checks and balances. At no time did we exceed the mandate granted under emergency powers,” he said.

However, opposition lawmakers and civil society groups have rejected Ibas’s defense, insisting that a full probe must be conducted to examine financial transactions, security expenditures, and executive decisions made during his tenure. They argue that several projects initiated under emergency rule lacked transparency and accountability.

The Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Musa Danladi, called for the setting up of a parliamentary investigative panel, warning that failure to do so could “set a dangerous precedent where emergency powers are used as cover for impunity.”

Civil society coalitions have also raised concerns about alleged human rights violations, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on the media during the emergency period. They demand that government records, including contracts and budget allocations, be made public.

Analysts say the unfolding development could deepen political tensions ahead of the 2026 general elections, with the opposition seizing on the issue to challenge the credibility of the ruling party.

For now, the debate continues as Nigerians wait to see whether the National Assembly will authorize a probe or accept Ibas’s defense as final.