Calls for Dialogue Grow as NADECO, Niger Delta Groups Demand Return to Democracy
PORT HARCOURT – In a sweeping directive, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has suspended all political office holders and appointees in the state.
A statement issued by his Chief of Staff late Tuesday night confirmed the suspension, citing the powers conferred on Ibas by President Bola Tinubu following the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State on March 18, 2025.
The suspension affects the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, commissioners, chairmen and members of all boards, agencies, commissions, institutions, and parastatals. Special advisers, special assistants, and senior special assistants are also impacted.
The directive, effective from March 26, 2025, mandates affected officials to hand over responsibilities to the most senior permanent secretary or director in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
Meanwhile, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has urged President Tinubu to reconsider the state of emergency and opt for dialogue. Speaking at an emergency stakeholders’ meeting of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) in Yenagoa, Diri emphasized that the crisis can be resolved peacefully.
“This is a lose-lose situation for the people of Rivers State. I urge Mr. President and the National Assembly to immediately constitute a reconciliation committee to restore peace and reinstate the elected government,” Diri stated.
Similarly, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) USA has condemned the emergency rule and called for the resignation of the Sole Administrator.
“Nigeria operates as a federation, and Rivers State is a sovereign entity within it. It is both absurd and unjust for a president whose mandate remains contested to undermine democratic governance in Rivers State,” said Lloyd Ukwu, President of NADECO USA.
In a related development, the Sole Administrator has directed all Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to submit reports detailing their councils’ activities over the past two years.
A letter from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, Dr. Itong Awani, instructed HLGAs to provide information on staff strength, revenue sources, and administrative actions. The submissions are due by March 26, 2025.
In a show of support, former local government chairmen in Rivers State visited suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara at his private residence in Port Harcourt. Led by Prince Ezebunwo Ichemati, the delegation reaffirmed their loyalty and urged Rivers residents to stand by Fubara.
“We recognize and commend your commitment to peace and development. Despite challenges, you have demonstrated respect for the rule of law and governance,” Ichemati stated.
Meanwhile, the 23 sacked local government chairmen have accused the federal government of acting on misinformation.
Addressing the media in Port Harcourt, former Port Harcourt City Chairman Ezebunwo Ichemati insisted that Fubara complied with the Supreme Court’s ruling and accused certain individuals of misleading the presidency.
“It is disheartening that people with ulterior motives misinformed Mr. President, claiming that Fubara disobeyed the Supreme Court’s ruling. The reality is that he has consistently upheld the rule of law,” Ichemati said.
The Niger Delta Grassroots Organisation (NDGO) has called on stakeholders, including Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the Rivers State House of Assembly, to prioritize peace over personal and political interests.
“The Abubakar Abdusalami-led reconciliation committee must act swiftly to restore democratic governance in Rivers State. All stakeholders should embrace dialogue and avoid actions that destabilize the region,” NDGO National Coordinator Weyinmi Olley advised.
With tensions escalating, the pressure is mounting on the federal government to reconsider its stance, as stakeholders push for a resolution that safeguards democracy in Rivers State.
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