The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Rivers State has called on President Bola Tinubu to caution the state’s sole administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), against actions they say exceed his constitutional mandate.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday by chairpersons of eight NBA branches across Rivers, the association expressed concern over what it described as Ibas’ arbitrary actions since assuming office.
The Rivers NBA accused the administrator of making political appointments “with military fiat” without the backing of any legal institution or the National Assembly.
“Political appointments are being made by the sole administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas, with military fiat,” the statement said. “These appointments violate legal procedures and dismantle established democratic institutions.”
According to the NBA, Ibas has been acting in defiance of laid-down legal frameworks by replacing officials of various boards, agencies, and commissions without due process.
“Rather than promoting peace, his actions have escalated tension in Rivers,” the NBA added. “Democratic institutions have been demobilised in a Gestapo-style fashion, and judicial pronouncements are being ignored.”
The association also condemned the recent appointment of local government coordinators. They warned that Ibas was acting more like a political agent than a neutral administrator.
The leaders stated that the sole administrator must remain apolitical and avoid acting as a stooge in the political conflict.
They further decried the alleged harassment and assault of peaceful protesters and journalists by security forces, describing such incidents as a violation of citizens’ rights.
“We call on President Tinubu and the National Assembly to act quickly,” the group urged. “The rule of law must guide the return to democratic governance in Rivers.”
The Rivers NBA also addressed the controversy surrounding a N300 million payment by the Fubara-led administration to the NBA.
The Rivers government had demanded a refund after NBA moved the AGC to Enugu. However, the legal body insisted the amount was a gift, not payment for hosting rights.
Cordelia Eke of Port Harcourt and Desmond-lhekaire of Ahoada were among the eight branch chairmen who jointly signed the statement. Others included representatives from Isiokpo, Degema, Bori, Okehi, Okrika, and Omoku branches.
The NBA emphasised that the state’s political crisis must not derail the rule of law or the integrity of governance in Rivers.
