The Pilex Centre for Advocacy has strongly condemned what it describes as an attempt by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State to impose administrators on the 23 local government councils in the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, by the organization’s State Coordinator, Courage Nsirimovu, viewed the development as an unlawful interference by the federal government in the administration of Rivers State.
Pilex Centre alleged that the move was orchestrated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas, with the aim of handing control of the third tier of government in Rivers State to loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
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The organization warned that such actions could escalate tensions and create a crisis in the State.
“The Sole Administrator, appointed by President Tinubu, is not accountable to the people of Rivers State. Every step he takes appears to be designed to undermine democracy, silence the constitution, and serve the political interests of the President and his allies at the expense of Rivers residents,” the statement read.
Pilex Centre further criticized recent administrative changes in the state, including the removal of the Head of Service and the appointment of Professor Ibibia Worika as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The advocacy group described Professor Worika as a known loyalist of Minister Nyesom Wike, citing his past role in organizing a civic reception for the FCT Minister.
The statement also referenced Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees local government administration through democratically elected councils.
Pilex Centre questioned the legal basis for appointing administrators, arguing that such actions amount to “illegality breeding illegality.”
The organization, however, called on Rivers residents to resist what it termed an undemocratic leadership imposition. The group urged the federal government to adhere to constitutional provisions and allow a proper election to be conducted under a legitimate state administration.
