Rivers State In Turmoil: Sole Administrator Faces Backlash Over Suspensions

Incendiary Moves in Rivers State: The Ijaw National Congress Speaks Out

Let’s talk straight here. The Ijaw National Congress (INC) is not holding back when it comes to the recent actions of Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.). Following his suspension of key political appointees under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the INC has come out swinging with some serious accusations. This isn’t just a political spat; it’s a full-blown showdown that’s got everyone talking.

According to reports from Naija News, the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) has also joined the chorus of criticism, slamming Ibas’s moves. They’re alleging that his demand for records from local government areas isn’t about transparency—it’s about laying the groundwork for what they’re calling "state looting." Now, that’s a heavy accusation, and it’s setting the stage for a major confrontation.

Ibas's Bold Move: A Statement That Sparked Outrage

In a statement delivered in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Vice Admiral Ibas dropped a bombshell by announcing the suspension of the Secretary to the State Government, Commissioners, and other appointees tied to Governor Fubara. The move didn’t sit well with everyone, to say the least. The INC, led by its President Prof. Benjamin Okaba, has been particularly vocal in condemning the action, labeling it as both illegal and unconstitutional.

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Here’s the kicker: according to reports in Punch, Okaba is pointing out that neither the Nigerian Constitution nor any legal framework supports the suspension of an elected governor or the appointment of a sole administrator. It’s a bold claim, and it’s forcing people to take a closer look at the legalities—or lack thereof—behind Ibas’s actions.

As Okaba put it, “The Constitution does not provide for sole administrators or even the suspension of a legitimately elected governor. Section 308 of our Constitution is crystal clear, and those conditions were never met. So whatever he (Ibas) is doing is an extension of illegality. His position is illegal, and whatever actions he’s taking are illegal and punitive.”

State Capture or Legitimate Governance? The Debate Rages On

Okaba didn’t stop there. He went on to describe Ibas’s actions as part of a larger, deliberate strategy to seize control of Rivers State and its resources. This isn’t just about politics—it’s about power and who gets to wield it. Okaba criticized the suspension of the commissioners and the Secretary to the State Government, asserting that this was all part of a script written by those who want to control the state’s wealth at any cost.

“Suspending the commissioners and even the Secretary to the State Government are all playing the script of those who are deliberate on state capture. They want to capture Rivers State and its resources at all costs, and this is one of the two options that was available to them,” Okaba explained.

He also raised concerns about what might come next. There’s talk of Ibas setting up caretaker committees at the local government level, despite a Supreme Court ruling that explicitly forbids such actions. This is where the legal waters get murky, and it’s sparking a lot of debate about where the line between legality and self-interest lies.

As Okaba pointed out, “The same Supreme Court said you cannot have caretaker local government chairmen. The Supreme Court ruled, and the Attorney General of the Federation acknowledged that ruling because he was even the plaintiff. But when it came to the sole administrator being appointed, he now finds justification. So, you can see that it’s not about what is right, it is about how that thing that is right is in my interest even when it’s wrong. It’s not about being wrong, but it is all about whether it is in my interest, so it’s all self-serving.”

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A Threat to Democracy: The Bigger Picture

Okaba took the conversation even further by expressing deep concerns about the erosion of democratic principles in Nigeria. He sees the actions of Ibas and others involved in this process as a dangerous departure from the rule of law, moving instead toward a system driven by personal interests and self-serving agendas.

“The entirety is a collaboration of the judiciary, the executive, and the legislature, all conniving to place a dent on our democracy. The rule of law is not followed; it is the rule of interest, not the rule of law, and it’s very dangerous, particularly when the injustice in a nation now wears the mask of the law. It is very dangerous—that’s what we are passing through,” Okaba lamented.

He expressed frustration at the continued actions of those in power, noting that despite widespread condemnation, they seem unbothered by public opinion and are still pushing forward with what many see as unjust actions. “And you can see the condemnation all over, and in the midst of these condemnations, these people are not ashamed of themselves; they are still perpetrating more evil. The only hope we have is that in their contradictions, they will contradict themselves and fall at the end of the day,” Okaba concluded.

A Call for Accountability and Justice

The Ijaw National Congress has made it clear that they’re not backing down. They’re calling for accountability and a return to respecting the rule of law. The message is loud and clear: any further disregard for democratic norms and constitutional integrity could have serious consequences—not just for Rivers State, but for Nigeria as a whole. As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on what happens next, and whether justice will prevail in the face of what many see as a grave threat to democracy.