A coalition of civil society organisations under the platform Civic Room for Rule of Law has joined the growing voices calling for the dismissal of Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.) as the sole administrator of Rivers State. The group expressed strong support for human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), who recently made a similar appeal to President Bola Tinubu.
In a public statement signed by Barrister Maxwell Egboh, president of the coalition, the group accused Ibas of overstepping his bounds by ignoring directives from the presidency and operating in violation of constitutional procedures. They argue that his conduct threatens the political stability and democratic principles in Rivers State.
According to the coalition, a government gazette published on March 18, 2025, clearly outlines the limits of Ibas’ authority, stating that his actions must be guided by official regulations issued by President Tinubu. However, they allege that the administrator has taken unlawful steps, including firing officials appointed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and making new appointments without presidential approval.
“This blatant disregard for the President’s orders is a clear indication of the Sole Administrator’s contempt for the rule of law and the limits of his authority,” Egboh said in the statement.
The coalition urged President Tinubu to take urgent action, describing Ibas’ tenure as both illegitimate and harmful to the state’s democratic governance. “By acting in this manner, he has compounded the illegality of his appointment and undermined the very fabric of our democratic institutions. The people of Rivers state deserve better than to be governed by an unelected official who disregards the law with impunity,” the group stressed.
They warned that the ongoing actions of the sole administrator have heightened political tensions and created widespread uncertainty within the state. According to the coalition, immediate removal is necessary to restore normalcy.
In addition to its criticism, the group commended the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State for recently summoning Vice Admiral Ibas for questioning. The coalition urged lawmakers to carry out a full investigation and uphold justice.
The Civic Room for Rule of Law reiterated its commitment to promoting democratic integrity, legal accountability, and transparent governance in Nigeria. It vowed to continue monitoring the developments in Rivers and advocate for compliance with the rule of law.
Meanwhile, another civil society organisation, Save Democracy Vanguard, has taken the matter to the international level. The group submitted a petition to the United Nations, expressing concern over what it termed the illegal suspension of democratic governance in Rivers State.
In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Save Democracy Vanguard condemned the declaration of emergency rule in the state, calling it a “civilian coup” reportedly supported by the federal government. The letter was signed by the group’s Executive Director, Dr. Ali Mohammed Ali, who warned that Nigeria’s democracy could be at serious risk if such actions go unchallenged.
