The political tension gripping Rivers State deepened over the weekend as a coalition of civil society organisations operating under the banner of Civic Room for Rule of Law lent its voice to the growing calls for the removal of the Sole Administrator of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Ibok-ete Ibas. The coalition, through a strongly worded statement signed by its President, Maxwell Egboh, accused Ibas of gross abuse of office, flagrant violation of the Nigerian Constitution, and open defiance of presidential directives.
Egboh, speaking on behalf of the coalition, alleged that Ibas had unilaterally and unlawfully sacked appointees of the duly elected Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, in a manner that disregards not only due process but also the political stability of the state. According to the coalition, these actions amount to a dangerous overreach of authority, which has already begun to create uncertainty and unrest in the state.
Backing earlier legal concerns raised by prominent human rights advocate and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, the coalition insisted that Ibas’ conduct is not only unconstitutional but also contemptuous of an official Federal Government Gazette which clearly outlines the limitations of his office. Falana, in his own public intervention, had urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and immediately relieve Ibas of his position, citing legal inconsistencies and administrative insubordination.
“The role of a sole administrator is clearly defined within the regulatory framework established by the presidency. Mr. Ibas’ attempt to usurp powers that are constitutionally reserved for a sitting governor is not only illegal but capable of igniting avoidable political chaos in Rivers State,” Egboh stated.
The coalition also applauded the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee currently probing the activities of the Rivers Sole Administrator. They described the legislative oversight as timely and a step in the right direction, while urging the committee to remain impartial, thorough, and committed to upholding democratic principles.
“The House of Representatives has a constitutional duty to protect the integrity of our governance institutions. The actions of Mr. Ibas must not go unchallenged. The people of Rivers State deserve leaders who respect the rule of law,” the statement added.
Observers believe that this latest call adds further pressure on the Presidency to rein in the administrator and restore calm in the oil-rich state, which has been embroiled in a leadership tussle since Governor Fubara assumed office. Critics argue that unresolved political interference from Abuja continues to threaten the peace and democratic gains of the state.
As calls for Ibas’ removal mount, many are watching closely to see if President Tinubu will respond decisively to avert a full-blown constitutional crisis in Rivers State.