Rivers Administrator Faces Backlash Over Removal Of LG, Electoral Officials
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, is facing intense criticism following his recent actions to replace the 23 local government caretakers and the head of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
OSUN DEFENDER reported that Ibas appointed new administrators for all the 23 local governments, with Dr. Michael Odey taking over as the new chairman of the RSIEC, alongside six new members, four of whom are professors.
This decision came shortly after a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt ordered Ibas to appear before it and explain why the court should not block his move to appoint administrators.
The court’s ruling, issued by Justice Adamu Muhammed, was related to a suit filed by PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative, which sought to stop Ibas’s actions.
In a government statement issued on Wednesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, Ibas’s appointments were confirmed, with the changes taking effect from April 7, 2025.
Last week, Ibas also suspended all heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in the state, as well as cancelling pending procurement and tender processes.
Governor Siminilayi Fubara’s Special Adviser on Electronic Media, Jerry Omatsogunwa, condemned the move as an example of “impunity” and stated that Ibas had overstepped his bounds.
Omatsogunwa argued that the administrator had disregarded a court order and was acting beyond the authority granted to him, effectively making himself a “lord unto himself.”
He said, “By what right and authority is the sole administrator, who is a caretaker, purporting to appoint LGAs’ administrators when there is a standing court order against such a move?”
The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Amb. Godknows Igali, also criticized Ibas for undermining the democratic structures in the state.
In an open letter, Igali lamented the systematic dismantling of vital institutions, including the removal of elected officials’ photographs from government offices, which he saw as a step toward undermining democracy in Rivers State.
He noted, “The removal of the photographs of elected officials from government offices is another clear signal that the Administrator is gradually dismantling our democratic structures. This is not just an attack on institutions but a disregard for democratic principles.”
Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, a member of the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council, echoed similar concerns, stating that Ibas’s actions were unconstitutional.
He argued that the sole administrator had no legal power to make such appointments, as his position was a temporary one, and his actions violated the Constitution.
Sara-Igbe stated, “The actions of the sole administrator are a flagrant violation of the Nigerian Constitution. He is not empowered to make such appointments or remove elected officials.”
Meanwhile, the Rivers Emancipation Movement (REM) has vowed to take mass action in response to the appointments.
Solomon Tamunotonye, the group’s National President, accused Ibas of appointing loyalists of former Governor Nyesom Wike, further exacerbating the political crisis in the state.
Tamunotonye said, “The appointments made by the sole administrator are a clear indication that he is only acting in the interest of former Governor Wike and his loyalists. This is a direct attack on the will of the people.”
In contrast, Kingsley Chinda, the member representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, defended Ibas’s actions, claiming that the administrator’s appointments were within the bounds of the law, especially since there were no elected local government chairmen in place.
Chinda further argued that the administrator had no option but to appoint caretakers to manage the local governments temporarily.
“With no elected chairmen in place, the sole administrator had no choice but to appoint caretakers to manage the affairs of the local governments,” Chinda stated.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
