A coalition of 100 civil society organizations (CSOs), known as the Civic Room for Rule of Law, has expressed full support for the call made by prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), for the removal of Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.). The CSOs claim that Ibas’ actions have violated presidential orders and flouted the rule of law, raising concerns about the governance and stability of Rivers State.
The controversy surrounding Ibas’ position began after his appointment as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State. This position was created by President Bola Tinubu in accordance with regulations that outlined the powers and responsibilities of the administrator. According to the Official Gazette issued on March 18, 2025, the Sole Administrator is expected to operate within a clear legal framework established by the President. However, the actions of Ibas have come under scrutiny as he has reportedly made unilateral decisions that go against the specified regulations.
In particular, Ibas is accused of making and removing appointments of officials appointed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara without adhering to the regulations set by President Tinubu. This disregard for the presidential directives has led to serious questions about Ibas’ authority and the legality of his actions. The coalition of civil society groups argues that this arbitrary behavior poses a threat to the rule of law and the democratic structures of governance in the state.
In a statement issued by Barrister Maxwell Egboh, the President of the Civic Room for Rule of Law, the coalition of civil society groups voiced their deep concern over the developments in Rivers State. Egboh expressed strong disapproval of Ibas’ conduct, emphasizing that his actions represent a “blatant disregard for the President’s orders” and “a clear indication of contempt for the rule of law.” The statement further questioned the legality of Ibas’ appointment, citing that his disregard for established regulations undermines the democratic institutions in Nigeria.
“By acting in this manner, he has compounded the illegality of his appointment and undermined the very fabric of our democratic institutions,” Egboh said. The coalition stressed that the people of Rivers State deserve governance that respects the rule of law, and that Ibas’ continued tenure in office has created an environment of uncertainty and tension.
One of the key issues raised by the CSOs is the potential impact of Ibas’ actions on the stability and security of Rivers State. According to Egboh, Ibas’ arbitrary decisions have created an atmosphere of uncertainty, which the coalition believes could lead to further instability in the state. The civil society groups argue that the actions of the Sole Administrator could set a dangerous precedent that may encourage other unelected officials to overstep their legal boundaries.
Rivers State, like many other states in Nigeria, faces complex governance challenges, and the CSOs fear that any erosion of the rule of law will only make it harder to address the issues facing the state. Ibas’ unilateral decisions regarding appointments and removals of key officials have further fueled this uncertainty, with many questioning whether the administration is capable of delivering good governance in such a climate.
The call for Ibas’ removal comes as the Ad-Hoc Committee of the House of Representatives on Rivers State has summoned the Sole Administrator to appear for a comprehensive interactive session. The committee’s role is to investigate Ibas’ actions, assess the impact of his decisions, and determine the appropriate course of action to restore stability and accountability in Rivers State.
The CSOs have commended the committee for its decision to hold Ibas accountable, urging the body to conduct a thorough investigation and take necessary steps to ensure that justice is served. The coalition believes that this is an important step in promoting transparency and accountability in governance, especially in the context of Rivers State, where the rule of law appears to have been compromised.
“We urge the committee to thoroughly investigate Ibas’ actions and take necessary steps to ensure that justice is served,” the statement read. “The people of Rivers State deserve a government that works within the confines of the law, and we believe that a comprehensive investigation is critical in restoring faith in the system.”
The Civic Room for Rule of Law and other civil society groups continue to advocate for good governance and respect for the rule of law in Nigeria. The coalition has vowed to monitor the situation closely and ensure that any actions taken by government bodies, including the House of Representatives, are in line with democratic principles and the laws of the land.
“We are committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria,” said Egboh. “We will continue to advocate for the rule of law to be upheld, and we urge the government to take swift action to address the concerns raised by the people of Rivers State.”
The group’s support for Femi Falana’s call for Ibas’ removal highlights the ongoing efforts by Nigerian civil society to hold public officials accountable and ensure that those in power respect the rule of law. Falana, known for his work in defending human rights and promoting democratic governance, has become a leading figure in the fight for justice in Nigeria, and his call for Ibas’ removal has gained widespread support from various segments of the Nigerian public.
One of the central issues in this dispute is the absence of a clear and binding legal framework for the office of the Sole Administrator in Rivers State. While the position was created through the presidential regulation, the lack of a structured process for appointments and removals has led to confusion and controversy. The CSOs argue that this lack of clarity has allowed for the abuse of power and the erosion of accountability in Rivers State.
“The people of Rivers State deserve better than to be governed by an unelected official who disregards the law with impunity,” said Egboh. He further called for the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework for the administration of states under Sole Administrators to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
