Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council have strongly criticised the sole administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), over his decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s appointees. The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) has also condemned Ibas’ actions, alleging that they are part of a scheme to loot the state’s resources.

On Wednesday, Ibas, through a statement issued by his unnamed Chief of Staff, announced the suspension of key government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, commissioners, and other appointees of the governor.

Reacting to the development, the President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, described the move as unconstitutional and an extension of illegality. According to Okaba, the Nigerian Constitution does not recognise the role of a sole administrator in a state, nor does it provide for the suspension of an elected governor.

“It is all one component of multiple infractions in our constitution. The constitution does not provide for sole administrators or even the suspension of a legitimately elected governor,” Okaba stated.

He referenced Section 308 of the Constitution, arguing that the conditions required to suspend a governor were not met, making Ibas’ actions null and void.

Okaba further alleged that the move was part of a larger plan to control Rivers State and its resources at all costs. He warned that more infractions could follow, including the appointment of caretaker committees at the local government level, despite a Supreme Court ruling prohibiting such actions.

“The same Supreme Court ruled that caretaker local government chairmen are illegal. Even the Attorney General of the Federation acknowledged this ruling because he was the plaintiff in the case. But when it came to appointing a sole administrator, he suddenly found justification for it. This is not about what is right but about personal interests,” he said.

Okaba accused the judiciary, executive, and legislature of colluding to undermine democracy, stating that the country now operates by the rule of interest rather than the rule of law.

“The injustice we are witnessing today is being masked as law. It is very dangerous. The only hope we have is that in their contradictions, they will eventually fall,” he concluded.

The suspension of Fubara’s appointees has sparked widespread condemnation, with many viewing it as part of the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.