Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately remove Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, for allegedly violating a presidential order.
In a statement on Thursday, Falana argued that Ibas breached the directives outlined in the Official Gazette dated March 18, 2025, titled State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation, 2025. The gazette stipulates that the Sole Administrator must operate under regulations issued by President Tinubu. Falana claimed that no such regulations have been issued, yet Ibas has made appointments and removed officials appointed by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“By treating the orders of President Tinubu with contempt, the Sole Administrator has compounded the illegality of his appointment,” Falana said, calling for Ibas’ immediate removal.
President Tinubu appointed Ibas as Sole Administrator on March 18, 2025, following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The decision, based on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Tinubu cited escalating political tensions in the state as the reason for his action.
The House of Representatives’ Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State has summoned Ibas for a “comprehensive interactive session” in Abuja to address the situation.
