A host of lawyers and civil groups have condemned the suspension of political appointees by Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), describing the action as illegal and capable of escalating the political crisis in the state.
One of the lawyers, however, noted that Ibas could sack suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s appointees, apart from the Attorney-General of the state.
Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society organizations has petitioned the United Nations over President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, urging the UN to intervene and restore democratic governance. The coalition also called for sanctions against Nigeria for allegedly failing to uphold democratic values.
In a related development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has expressed support for President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency, stating that the action has resolved 90 per cent of the crisis in the state. The party dismissed calls for the suspension of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, arguing that he was not directly involved in the crisis.
Reacting to the suspension of political appointees, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Abeny Mohammed described Ibas’ appointment as unconstitutional and labeled his actions illegal. Another lawyer, Chief Chukwuma Nwachukwu, argued that the President lacked the constitutional power to remove the governor from office, adding that Ibas’ actions were null and void.
Similarly, Abuja-based human rights lawyer Chief Bernard Egbo urged President Tinubu to call the sole administrator to order, warning that the decision could create more problems than it solves.
Contrary to these positions, lawyer Gbenga Ojo argued that the sole administrator had the authority to sack political appointees, though not elected officials. Human rights lawyer Kabir Akingbolu added that once a sole administrator is appointed, he assumes the powers of the governor and can appoint his own commissioners.
Other legal experts, however, strongly disagreed, stating that the dismissal of political appointees lacked statutory and constitutional backing. They argued that even under a state of emergency, executive powers must still align with constitutional provisions.
Meanwhile, the Civil Societies Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) condemned Ibas’ actions, describing them as a threat to democracy and a strategic attempt to restructure the political landscape of Rivers State to favor the ruling party.
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) also criticized the move, calling it evidence of a possible hidden agenda to extend control beyond the stipulated six-month period.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) described the development as an attempt to dismantle democratic governance in Rivers State, alleging that it was part of a plan to consolidate political control and loot the state’s resources.
Civil society organizations have petitioned the United Nations to intervene in the political crisis, accusing President Tinubu of using emergency powers to unlawfully remove a democratically elected governor. They have also called for a comprehensive investigation into the situation by international human rights bodies.
In reaction to the unfolding events, the General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Reverend Sam Aboyeji, called for a repeal of the 1999 Constitution, describing it as vague and inadequate to address contemporary governance challenges.
The situation in Rivers State continues to draw widespread criticism, with many stakeholders demanding the restoration of democratic structures and respect for the rule of law.
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