The political turmoil in Rivers State has taken another controversial turn as legal experts and civil society organizations (CSOs) strongly condemn the suspension of political appointees by the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd). Critics have labeled the move as unconstitutional, arguing it could deepen the already volatile situation in the state.
Legal Experts Call Out ‘Illegality’
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Abeny Mohammed, described Ibas’ appointment as unconstitutional from the onset, stating that “illegality cannot birth legality.” He argued that Ibas’ actions, including the mass suspension of political appointees, hold no legal standing.
Similarly, human rights lawyer Chief Chukwuma Nwachukwu emphasized that the 1999 Constitution does not grant the President the authority to remove a sitting governor under any circumstances outside the constitutional provisions. “This is a direct assault on democracy,” he asserted.
Another prominent legal expert, Chief Bernard Egbo, urged President Bola Tinubu to call Ibas to order, warning that his actions could further destabilize Rivers State. “The President has no constitutional backing to suspend a democratically elected governor, and neither does his appointee have the power to dismiss officials appointed by that governor,” Egbo stated.
Rivers APC Supports Tinubu’s Emergency Rule
Despite the mounting opposition, the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has thrown its weight behind President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency, claiming it has resolved 90% of the state’s political crisis.
Caretaker committee chairman of Rivers APC, Chief Tony Okocha, defended the decision, stating that removing Governor Siminalayi Fubara was a “necessary evil” to restore order. However, he dismissed calls for the suspension of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, arguing that Wike was not directly involved in the crisis.
CSOs Petition UN, Decry ‘Military-Style Takeover’
Concerned civil society groups have taken their grievances to the international stage, petitioning the United Nations (UN) to intervene in what they describe as a “flagrant abuse of democratic principles.” The coalition, comprising Rivers Indigenous NGOs and Civil Society Network (RINGOCS), Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), and several others, urged the UN to impose sanctions on Nigeria for undermining democracy.
The petition, signed by multiple CSOs, called on the UN to pressure President Tinubu into reinstating democratic governance in Rivers State and respecting constitutional boundaries. “What we are witnessing is an orchestrated effort to dismantle Rivers’ political structure and impose an authoritarian rule,” the petition reads.
Divided Legal Opinions on Ibas’ Powers
While many lawyers have criticized Ibas’ actions, some argue that a Sole Administrator does have the authority to sack political appointees. Legal expert Kabir Akingbolu maintained that once a governor is removed, his appointees lose their positions, except for the Attorney-General, who is legally mandated to remain in office.
However, another lawyer, Daniel Sumola, countered this argument, insisting that emergency powers do not grant unfettered authority. Citing past court rulings, he noted that the Supreme Court has repeatedly reinforced that executive powers must be exercised within constitutional provisions.
CUPP Alleges Hidden Agenda, IYC Condemns ‘Dictatorial’ Rule
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has raised concerns that the sweeping suspensions could be part of a broader plot to extend Ibas’ tenure beyond the six-month emergency period.
Similarly, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has condemned the move as a “full-blown military dictatorship,” warning that it could lead to unchecked looting of the state’s resources. “This reckless decision is aimed at removing all possible checks and balances to enable a power grab,” the group stated.
Calls for Constitutional Reforms Intensify
As the crisis deepens, religious and civic leaders are calling for a complete overhaul of the 1999 Constitution. Reverend Sam Aboyeji, General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, argued that the current constitution lacks clarity on emergency declarations and has been subject to various interpretations by different administrations.
“The ambiguity in the law has allowed successive presidents to manipulate state of emergency declarations to their advantage,” Aboyeji noted.
What’s Next for Rivers State?
With legal battles looming and international bodies now being drawn into the fray, the Rivers political crisis is far from over. As opposition continues to mount against Ibas’ leadership, all eyes are on the courts and the international community to see how this power struggle will unfold.
