By Bosun Obafemi, Port Harcourt
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has strongly criticized the recent appointment of sole administrators across the 23 local government areas in Rivers State by the state’s sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), describing the move as a blatant violation of the Nigerian Constitution.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Eze condemned the appointments as “a barefaced slap on the Constitution,” alleging that the actions taken by Ibas reflect an underlying political script aimed at undermining democratic processes in the state.
The former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibas, was appointed sole administrator of the state following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Since assuming office, Ibas has come under heavy criticism, with many questioning the legality and motives behind his swift administrative decisions.
Chief Eze expressed concern over the disregard for judicial orders, noting that a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt had issued a restraining order before the announcement of the local government appointments. According to him, Justice Turaki Mohammed, presiding over Suit No: FHC/PHC/CS/46/2025 – filed by Pilex Centre & Anor – ordered Ibas to show cause why he should not be stopped from making such appointments.
“Despite being served the court process on Wednesday, April 8, 2025, the administrator went ahead to announce the appointments, which he stated would take effect from Monday,” Eze said. “This was clearly an attempt to pre-empt the court’s decision and render any ruling ineffective.”
He further accused Ibas of disregarding the rule of law and making a mockery of the judiciary, insisting that the appointments were not only unconstitutional but also morally and legally indefensible.
Reps Summon Ibas Over Rivers Crisis
In a related development, the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on the state of emergency in Rivers State has summoned Vice Admiral Ibas to appear before it for a formal briefing.
According to a statement issued by House spokesman Akintunde Rotimi, the committee – chaired by Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, where it resolved to invite the administrator to provide detailed information on the current political and administrative situation in the state.
The committee, established under the mandate of Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), is tasked with providing legislative oversight over the unfolding events in Rivers State.
“The appearance of Vice Admiral Ibas is crucial for the committee to understand the facts on the ground and ensure the House makes informed decisions in the interest of the Nigerian people,” the statement read.
The administrator is scheduled to appear before the committee on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in Room 414, House of Representatives New Building, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
The committee is expected to assess the constitutionality of actions taken since the emergency rule was declared and evaluate their impact on governance and democratic institutions in Rivers State.
