Rivers Sole Administrator, Ibas, Faces Criticism Over Alleged Plans to Appoint New LGA Administrators

Rivers Sole Administrator, Ibas, Faces Criticism Over Alleged Plans to Appoint New LGA Administrators

Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, is facing criticism over alleged plans to appoint new Local Government Area (LGA) administrators. Sources close to the state government have raised concerns, claiming that such a move could undermine the autonomy of local governments, as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution………READ MORE

The controversy follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that nullified the October 5, 2024, local government elections in the state. Prior to the ruling, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara had instructed all council chairmen to hand over their duties to the heads of local governments until new elections could be held.

Despite this, reports suggest Ibas intends to announce new administrators, which would defy the court’s ruling and compromise democratic principles. Sources allege that a list of potential administrators has already been compiled, sparking fears of an attempt to bypass the will of the people.

The proposed action has raised alarm over possible executive overreach and has been described as a threat to grassroots democracy. Critics are calling for resistance from citizens, political stakeholders, and civil society groups to prevent what they view as an unconstitutional move.