The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has strongly criticized the suspension of all political appointees, commissioners, and statutory board members in Rivers State by the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas. The group described the move as an attempt to undermine democracy and facilitate unchecked looting of state resources.
In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Maobuye Nangi Obu, the IYC condemned the decision, particularly the suspension of officials with fixed tenures, calling it a direct assault on democratic governance and an attempt to eliminate checks and balances in the state.
The council accused former Governor Nyesom Wike of orchestrating the move through the Administrator, alleging that Wike seeks to maintain control over the state’s affairs.
“It is now beyond doubt that the Administrator is merely executing Wike’s agenda, who remains hell-bent on controlling the state and draining its wealth,” the statement read.
By removing key government officials—including the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Board Members, and Special Advisers—the IYC argued that the Administrator has crippled democratic institutions and concentrated power in the hands of handpicked loyalists.
The group warned that these actions could trigger political instability and security concerns in Rivers State.
“By sidelining legitimate government officials, the Administrator is creating disaffection and endangering security in Rivers State,” the IYC stated.
The council called on Rivers residents to resist what it described as a blatant abuse of power and demanded the immediate reversal of the suspensions, the restoration of democratic governance, and an end to political manipulation in the state.
“The state belongs to the people, not to a cabal of political opportunists seeking to milk it dry. Democracy must be restored, and Rivers people must not be silenced,” the statement concluded.
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