Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on the Federal Government to immediately remove the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, for breaching constitutional procedures and defying a directive from President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Falana pointed out that the Federal Government Gazette detailing the terms for the Sole Administrator’s appointment specifically mandated that the official’s actions be governed by regulations issued by President Tinubu. However, Falana noted that, despite the lack of any such regulations, Ibas has continued to take actions, including making new appointments and removing previously appointed officials.
Falana’s call comes at a time of heightened political tension in Rivers State, where the legitimacy of key political appointments, including that of Ibas himself, has been under intense scrutiny. The issue stems from the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, which led to the appointment of Ibas as the Sole Administrator to manage the state following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
According to the Federal Government Gazette, which outlined the terms and conditions of Ibas’ appointment, the Sole Administrator is expected to operate under regulations issued by President Bola Tinubu. Falana, in his statement, stressed that the President has not yet issued any such regulations, which makes Ibas’ continued actions a breach of the law.
“It is common knowledge that President Bola Tinubu has not issued any regulations for the operation of the Sole Administrator,” Falana said. “Yet, despite this clear breach, the Sole Administrator has proceeded with making appointments and dismissals of officials who were earlier appointed by the Rivers State Governor. This is not only unlawful but also an affront to the Constitution and to the directives of the President.”
The legal expert further argued that by taking actions outside the prescribed rules and procedures, Ibas was openly defying the President’s directive and undermining the authority of the federal government. Falana called on the Federal Government to swiftly intervene and remove Ibas from office.
“By disregarding the directives of President Tinubu and acting as though he is above the law, the Sole Administrator has further compounded the illegality of his appointment,” Falana added. “The President’s directive was clear, and the failure to issue the necessary regulations has created a situation where actions are being taken without proper constitutional backing. This cannot be allowed to stand, and I call for the immediate removal of the Sole Administrator.”
Falana’s call for action highlights the growing concerns over the political and legal implications of the state of emergency declared in Rivers. The appointment of the Sole Administrator was meant to stabilize the state’s political situation following allegations of corruption and misconduct within the state government. However, the legal validity of the appointment and subsequent actions of Ibas has come under heavy scrutiny, with critics arguing that it goes against constitutional provisions and could set a dangerous precedent for the future.
The controversy surrounding the appointment of the Sole Administrator in Rivers began in early 2025 when the Federal Government declared a state of emergency in the state. The declaration followed rising political tensions, allegations of misconduct, and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. In place of an elected governor, Ibas was appointed as the Sole Administrator, tasked with overseeing the day-to-day administration of the state.
While the state of emergency was intended to restore order and curb corruption, it has sparked concerns over the erosion of democratic governance in Rivers. Critics have argued that the appointment of a Sole Administrator undermines the democratic process, as it bypasses the will of the people and effectively replaces elected officials with a non-elected administrator.
Further compounding these concerns is the ongoing controversy over Ibas’ actions since his appointment. As Falana pointed out, the Sole Administrator has taken steps such as making appointments and removals of key government officials in the state, actions that, according to legal experts, lack the constitutional backing required to ensure their legality.
The failure of the President to issue the necessary regulations for the Sole Administrator’s operations has also led to questions about the legitimacy of Ibas’ authority to make such decisions. This has created a sense of legal uncertainty and raised concerns about the stability of the state’s political system.
Falana’s call for the removal of the Sole Administrator is not only based on legal principles but also reflects broader concerns about the adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law. The lawyer emphasized that the government must uphold the principles of constitutional governance, particularly in situations where appointed officials are tasked with exercising significant powers over a state’s administration.
“The constitutional framework for governance in Nigeria must be respected,” Falana stated. “When actions are taken outside the legal framework, it not only undermines the rule of law but also erodes the trust of the people in their institutions. We must ensure that the principles of transparency, legality, and due process are followed, particularly when it comes to the administration of state affairs.”
The human rights lawyer also called on the Federal Government to take immediate steps to restore constitutional order in Rivers State, urging that the situation be resolved swiftly to prevent further political instability.
The controversy surrounding the appointment of Ibas and the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State has broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic system. With increasing calls for greater accountability and transparency in government, the situation highlights the need for clear legal frameworks and regulations that can guide the actions of appointed officials.
Moreover, the crisis in Rivers comes at a time when the country is grappling with questions about the balance of power between the federal and state governments, particularly in the wake of the recent elections. The appointment of a Sole Administrator in a state where there is an elected governor raises critical questions about the role of the federal government in state affairs and the extent to which it can intervene in state governance.
