Human rights advocate Ann-Kio Briggs and a notable commentator from Rivers State have expressed their disapproval of the Federal Government’s decision to appoint Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator in Rivers State, claiming he is pushing a “dangerous and unconstitutional agenda.”
Briggs cautioned that Ibas’s persistent disregard for court orders and extensive overhaul of state and local government bodies is escalating instability in Rivers State. “If we accept that Vice Admiral Ibas was brought out of retirement to maintain peace in Rivers State, he is far from achieving that. In reality, he is adding fuel to a fire that the president may have thought was only simmering; he’s ignited it,” she remarked.
Following President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State has been functioning without a cabinet or active commissioners. Rather than acting as an impartial caretaker, Ibas has taken significant actions by dismissing elected local government officials, appointing interim administrators, and setting up a new electoral commission for local elections. Briggs contends that these moves breach both the spirit and the law.
“He doesn’t originate from Rivers State. How can he determine whom to appoint? On what grounds is he dismissing civil servants and substituting them? That’s unconstitutional,” she declared.
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Briggs further accused Ibas of showing overt political partiality, promoting the agenda of a prominent political figure. “The individuals being dismissed are not aligned with Wike. The newcomers are associated with Wike. It’s obvious. He’s following a perilous script,” she remarked.
She urged President Tinubu to reassess the foundation of the federal government’s involvement in Rivers State, proposing that esteemed national figures like Bishop Matthew Kukah and General Abdulsalami Abubakar might contribute neutrality to peace efforts.
“We would have greater confidence if neutral personalities like them were engaged. Frankly, we don’t want Ibas filling that role.” As the crisis worsened, Briggs forewarned of escalating frustration among the populace and the potential for civil unrest.
