The Conference of Professionals in the Peoples Democratic Party (CP-PDP) has issued a strong warning to the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), urging him to avoid any involvement with the state’s statutory allocations and funds. The group, which met in Abuja on Friday, expressed concerns over Ibas’ authority to handle Rivers State’s public funds, emphasizing that his appointment as the state’s sole administrator is unconstitutional and lacks legal foundation.
In a statement signed by Barrister Obinna Nwachukwu, the Protem National Coordinator of CP-PDP, the group called on Ibas to respect the provisions of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which it argued prohibits him from appropriating or distributing any funds accruing to Rivers State. The statement was a direct response to Ibas’ role in managing the state’s financial resources, with the CP-PDP questioning the legality of his actions.
The group’s statement highlighted key sections of the Nigerian Constitution that they believe render Ibas’ appointment and his handling of public funds illegal. Specifically, the CP-PDP referenced Section 120(3)(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the proper procedure for withdrawing money from public funds at the state level. The Constitution clearly states that no public money can be withdrawn or spent unless it has been authorized by the state’s House of Assembly.
The CP-PDP’s statement quoted Section 120(3) and 120(4) of the Constitution, which states:
“No money shall be withdrawn from any public fund of the State, other than the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State, unless the issue of these moneys has been authorized by a law of the House of Assembly of the State.”
Additionally, it states that no money shall be withdrawn from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund, unless the action is prescribed by the House of Assembly.
In further emphasizing the illegality of Ibas’ actions, the group pointed to Section 121(1), which empowers only a democratically elected governor to prepare and submit the state’s revenue and expenditure estimates to the state House of Assembly for appropriation. This section makes clear that the financial authority of a state lies exclusively with the elected governor.
The CP-PDP also raised concerns about the legality of Ibas’ appointment as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State. According to the group, the appointment by President Bola Tinubu is inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution, which vests executive powers of a state solely in the hands of a democratically elected governor. Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution specifies that executive powers in any state should only be held by the elected governor, and Ibas, as a sole administrator, does not meet this constitutional requirement.
Furthermore, the CP-PDP cited Section 1(3) of the Constitution, which asserts that if any law contradicts the provisions of the Constitution, the Constitution takes precedence. The group argued that the National Assembly’s endorsement of Ibas’ appointment is void because it is inconsistent with the Constitution’s provisions on executive powers.
The group insisted that Ibas’ involvement with the state’s finances is not only unconstitutional but also undermines the democratic process, which relies on elected leaders to manage the state’s resources. The CP-PDP made it clear that they consider Ibas’ appointment as unconstitutional, regardless of the National Assembly’s approval, which they claim has no legal basis in this context.
The CP-PDP has taken further steps to monitor the situation, making it clear that they are putting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on notice regarding any actions taken by Ibas to withdraw or spend public funds in Rivers State. The group has expressed its intention to ensure full accountability for any misuse of state funds, particularly given the concerns surrounding Ibas’ appointment.
As part of their efforts, the CP-PDP also announced plans to petition international bodies, seeking sanctions, including visa bans, on individuals who they believe are involved in undermining democracy in Rivers State. The group hopes that international pressure will bring further attention to the situation and hold those responsible for disregarding the Nigerian Constitution accountable.
The CP-PDP also expressed strong support for the governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who have taken the matter of Ibas’ appointment to the Supreme Court. The governors’ legal action is aimed at challenging the constitutionality of Ibas’ appointment as Rivers State’s sole administrator, with the broader goal of preserving the democratic principles enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution.
The group commended the PDP governors for their courage in approaching the Supreme Court and seeking to protect democracy in Nigeria. By pursuing legal action, the governors hope to ensure that only duly elected officials are granted the authority to manage state resources, upholding the rule of law and constitutional governance.
The CP-PDP’s statement underlined the importance of the case, highlighting that it is not just about Rivers State, but about upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s entire democratic process. The group believes that the outcome of the case will have significant implications for the future of governance in Nigeria, particularly in the context of the country’s long-standing struggle to ensure that elected officials remain in control of public funds.
The appointment of Vice-Admiral Ibas as Rivers State’s sole administrator has sparked significant controversy, particularly within the PDP. The party’s leadership has expressed concern that Ibas’ appointment is part of a broader political strategy aimed at undermining the will of the people of Rivers State and curbing the influence of the PDP in the state.
Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s key oil-producing regions, has long been a stronghold of the PDP. The party has consistently won elections in the state, and the recent developments surrounding Ibas’ appointment have raised questions about the federal government’s intentions in the state’s politics. Some have argued that Ibas’ appointment could pave the way for a shift in political dynamics in Rivers, particularly with the 2027 elections approaching.
The CP-PDP’s strong stance against Ibas is also reflective of the broader political tensions in Nigeria, where the balance of power between the federal government and state governments is often a contentious issue. The PDP, which governs several states, is keen to protect the autonomy of state governments and ensure that democratic processes are not undermined by federal intervention.
