Legal Experts, CSOs Condemn Rivers Sole Administrator’s Suspension of Political Appointees

A coalition of lawyers and civil society groups has strongly criticized the suspension of political appointees by Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), calling it illegal and warning that it could worsen the state’s political crisis.

One legal expert, however, argued that Ibas has the authority to remove appointees of the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara—except for the Attorney-General of the state.

Meanwhile, civil society organizations have petitioned the United Nations over President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State. They urged the UN to intervene, restore democratic governance, and impose sanctions on Nigeria for failing to uphold democratic principles.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has defended the emergency declaration, insisting it has resolved 90% of the state’s crisis. The party dismissed calls for the suspension of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, stating that he was never part of the conflict.

Speaking in Abuja after meeting with the APC National Working Committee (NWC), Rivers APC Caretaker Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, said President Tinubu’s intervention was necessary. He claimed the crisis had significantly reduced following the suspension of the governor.

Legal Experts Dispute Ibas’ Authority

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Abeny Mohammed, described Ibas’ appointment as unconstitutional, arguing that an illegal appointment cannot produce legal actions. He insisted that multiple legal challenges to the appointment are still pending in court.

Another lawyer, Chief Chukwuma Nwachukwu, criticized the federal government’s handling of the crisis, stating that the Constitution does not empower the president to remove a governor outside established legal procedures. He maintained that the suspension of political appointees by Ibas is null and void.

Human rights lawyer Chief Bernand Egbo called on President Tinubu to rein in Ibas, warning that his actions could destabilize the state further. He questioned the constitutional basis for dismissing appointees chosen by an elected governor.

Contrasting Legal Opinions

However, legal practitioner Gbenga Ojo argued that Ibas has the authority to remove political appointees but not elected officials such as local government chairmen and councillors. He noted that similar measures had been taken in Plateau State under Joshua Dariye.

Human rights lawyer Kabir Akingbolu supported this view, stating that once a sole administrator is appointed, the governor’s powers transfer to him, including the ability to appoint new commissioners. However, he noted that the Attorney-General must remain in office due to legal provisions.

Conversely, lawyer Danie Sumola disagreed, stating that Ibas’ actions violate constitutional and democratic principles. He cited Supreme Court precedents, emphasizing that emergency powers do not grant absolute authority over governance structures.

Legal expert Evans Ufeli also questioned the legitimacy of Ibas’ appointment, arguing that actions based on illegality are void. He warned that mass dismissals could deepen political divisions and undermine governance.

Civil Society Groups Warn of Democratic Threat

The Civil Societies Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) condemned Ibas’ actions, describing them as an attempt to restructure the state’s political system in favor of the ruling APC. Executive Director Awwal Musa accused the federal government of political interference in Rivers State.

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) suggested that Ibas’ decision to sack appointees signals an attempt to extend his tenure beyond the initial six months. CUPP National Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, criticized the move, calling it unconstitutional.

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) also rejected the decision, with Secretary-General Maobuoye Nangi-Obu labeling it an effort to facilitate unchecked looting of state resources. He accused the administrator of working to dismantle democratic governance.

CSOs Petition UN Over Tinubu’s Actions

A network of civil society organizations has petitioned the United Nations, accusing President Tinubu of violating Nigeria’s democratic obligations. The petition, dated March 26, called for UN intervention to restore democratic governance in Rivers State and impose sanctions on Nigeria.

The groups also urged the UN to investigate alleged judicial manipulation by the federal government. Signatories included Rivers Indigenous NGOs and Civil Society Network (RINGOCS), Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), and several other advocacy organizations.

The petition alleged that Tinubu’s emergency declaration bypassed constitutional procedures and was a political move to consolidate control over Rivers State. The groups warned that such actions undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Cleric Calls for Constitutional Reforms

Reacting to the crisis, Reverend Sam Aboyeji, General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, called for a repeal of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that it allows for inconsistent interpretations of emergency powers. He urged the government to adopt a clearer legal framework for handling political crises.