By: Daure David
The Coalition of Opposition Lawmakers has strongly condemned the actions of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), accusing him of deliberately provoking a political crisis in the state through alleged loyalty to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a press statement released Wednesday by the spokesperson of the coalition, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the lawmakers described Ibas as an “imposed administrator” who lacks both legal standing and moral authority to interfere in the affairs of Rivers State. They allege that Ibas’ actions are geared towards creating confusion and advancing the interests of the Wike political faction.
The coalition expressed outrage over reports that Ibas plans to dissolve the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), which still has a valid tenure, and replace it with what they describe as “impostors” to conduct local government elections.
“This is a recipe for crisis,” Ugochinyere said. “Any election conducted under such illegal arrangements will not be recognized by Governor Siminalayi Fubara or by any democratic institution.”
The lawmakers further rejected what they called a “childish and baseless” claim that Governor Fubara could be summoned by Ibas. “Even in 100 years, Ibas lacks the capacity to issue a summon to an elected Governor. He holds no constitutional authority or recognized office to make such moves,” the statement read.
They questioned Ibas’ legitimacy and constitutional powers, warning that any attempt to conduct local government elections or present a budget under his administration would be “dead on arrival.”
“You are not elected, you don’t have constitutional powers, yet you dissolve the state’s electoral commission in a bid to conduct elections on behalf of a political camp. This is lawlessness,” the statement added.
The coalition emphasized that any local government election not organized by the properly constituted RSIEC, led by Retired Justice Enebeli, would be deemed null and void.
Governor Fubara, according to the coalition, remains committed to serving the people of Rivers State and is not distracted by the “unconstitutional distractions” orchestrated by the Pro-Wike camp.
“We urge Ibas to stop this reckless overreach before he ignites unrest in the state. If he is interested in holding political office, he should resign and go contest for election properly,” Ugochinyere concluded.
The political tension in Rivers State continues to escalate as the legitimacy of recent federal interventions is being challenged by several stakeholders who argue that democracy and due process must be upheld.
