A recent report highlighted glowing praise from some residents in coastal Local Government Areas (LGAs), who credited Ibas with delivering reliable power to their areas. However, this narrative has sparked a fierce backlash on social media, with other citizens vehemently disputing the claims of steady electricity.
As the state navigates a contentious political landscape, including a state of emergency and the aftermath of local government financial autonomy, the issue of power supply has become a lightning rod for public sentiment. This blog post dives into the conflicting perspectives, exploring the voices of both supporters and critics and what this divide reveals about governance and public trust in Rivers State.
In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, a group of rural dwellers from the riverine axis of Rivers State’s coastal LGAs expressed gratitude for what they described as a marked improvement in electricity supply under Ibas’s administration.
Their comments painted a picture of cautious optimism, acknowledging the controversial context of Ibas’s appointment while commending his efforts. “We don’t like the state of emergency,” one resident admitted, “but that doesn’t mean if the sole administrator has done well, we shouldn’t praise him.”
The residents contrasted the current situation with the tenure of elected LGA chairmen and councillors, who assumed office under Governor Siminalayi Fubara following the Supreme Court’s ruling on LGA financial autonomy.
“Even when we had elected officials, we didn’t see electricity like we are enjoying now,” another resident noted. They expressed hope that the consistent power supply could signal a turning point, with one adding, “If this electricity supply can continue, we will judge Ibas worthy of doing well as a sole administrator in our state.”
While acknowledging that Ibas’s efforts might be a strategic move to “win the hearts of the Rivers people,” the residents were clear: credit should be given where it’s due. Their remarks suggested a pragmatic willingness to separate their disapproval of the state of emergency from their appreciation for tangible improvements in their daily lives.
The publication of these positive accounts triggered an immediate uproar on Facebook, where several Rivers State citizens challenged the narrative of reliable power supply. The comments section became a battleground of frustration and skepticism, with users questioning the authenticity of the claims and the motives behind them.
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A user named Iworifama Tamunoimama demanded specificity, writing, “Please name the community…. Abi he wants to be a politician or a referee….. Think.” The comment hinted at suspicions that the praise for Ibas might be politically motivated or exaggerated.
Another user, Lucky Gbenete, was even more direct, dismissing the claims outright: “Not true oooooh those who made that declaration are strangers hired from Cross River because in Eleme LGA where I stay now there is no light. Power supply is worse now than ever before.”
Gbenete’s assertion that the situation in Eleme LGA has deteriorated under Ibas’s watch underscored a stark contrast with the rosy picture painted by the rural residents. The reference to “strangers hired from Cross River” further suggested distrust, with some citizens questioning whether the positive reports were fabricated or unrepresentative of the broader reality.
The conflicting narratives around Ibas’s performance reflect deeper tensions in Rivers State’s political and social fabric. The imposition of a state of emergency and the appointment of a sole administrator have been contentious issues, with many residents wary of centralised control over local governance.
The Supreme Court’s decision to grant financial autonomy to LGAs was seen as a victory for grassroots democracy, leading to the election of LGA chairmen and councillors. However, the transition has been fraught with challenges, and the reported lack of electricity during that period, as noted by some rural residents, has fueled dissatisfaction with elected officials.
Ibas’s role as sole administrator places him in a precarious position. Tasked with managing the state’s affairs amid political upheaval, he must navigate a sceptical populace while addressing pressing issues like power supply, which remains a critical concern in both urban and rural areas.
The praise from some riverine communities suggests that targeted efforts may yield results in specific areas, possibly due to localized infrastructure improvements or prioritized resource allocation. Yet, the vehement rebuttals from residents in places like Eleme LGA indicate that these gains are far from universal, raising questions about the scope and consistency of Ibas’s initiatives.
What are your thoughts on the power supply situation in Rivers State? Share your experiences in the comments below.
