Fresh panic in Rivers as sole administrator allegedly moves to appoint LG heads

Tension is rising in Rivers State following reports that the newly appointed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), is set to appoint administrators to oversee the 23 local government areas.

Sources indicate that President Bola Tinubu, upon appointing Ibas, allegedly directed him to establish a leadership structure at the local government level.

Despite his assurances of restoring peace in the state, concerns have mounted over the implications of his imminent appointments.

A source, privy to the development regretted that Ibas, despite the clear provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the autonomy of LGs, is making efforts to take an action that is alien to all known laws.

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The source, who did not want his name mentioned said the move if carried out, would amount to a disregard for democratic principles and a violation of the Supreme Court’s ruling, which reaffirmed that local governments must be governed by elected officials, not handpicked appointees.

The names…
The sources alleged that names of supposed administrators have already been compiled, raising fears of an orchestrated attempt to subvert the will of the people.

It was learned that the appointments had been skewed in favour of a big political actor in the state.

However, those on the other side of the political divide are planning a showdown once the appointments are made.

According to the source, such a move could spark a crisis in the local government system and could set a dangerous precedent for executive overreach.

The source said: “Nigerians must remain vigilant against this unconstitutional manoeuvre, as it threatens the foundation of grassroots democracy.

“Any attempt to impose unelected administrators on LGs must be met with firm resistance from law-abiding citizens, political stakeholders, and civil society groups.

“Will the rule of law prevail, or will impunity reign? The next 24 hours will be crucial in determining whether democracy holds firm or is trampled upon.”

(Vanguard)