- Blasts Ibas for appointing LG administrators, reconstituting RSIEC board
- PANDEF warns against erosion of democratic structures in Rivers
- HURIWA urges Supreme Court to expedite ruling on emergency declaration suit
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned the recent retreat allegedly organised in the United Kingdom by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for suspended members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
CHRICED described the UK trip as a “wasteful and provocative” move that aggravates the democratic crisis in the state. The trip, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, began last Sunday and was said to be part of a legislative tour aimed at enhancing lawmakers’ capacity.
Executive Director of CHRICED, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, in a statement issued yesterday, questioned the rationale and funding for the retreat, especially as it involved lawmakers under suspension. He also accused Wike of using his federal position to interfere in Rivers’ political affairs, further fueling instability.
Zikirullahi criticized the Sole Administrator (SOLAD) of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), for allegedly flouting a Federal High Court order by appointing administrators across the state’s 23 local councils. He also condemned the reconstitution of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) board under Ibas, calling both moves unconstitutional.
“The silence of the Federal Government in the face of these abuses sends a dangerous message that some individuals are above the law,” he said. “CHRICED calls for the immediate restoration of the democratically elected government of Rivers, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the immediate dismissal of Wike as FCT Minister.”
The SOLAD, according to a statement by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, also approved new appointments for RSIEC and local council administrators. Among those appointed were Dr. Michael Odey (RSIEC Chairman) and 23 local government administrators across the state.
Meanwhile, the Pan-Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) has expressed concern over what it described as the systematic dismantling of democratic structures in Rivers. PANDEF President, Prof. Godknows Igali, warned Ibas against continuing policies that undermine democracy, urging him to reconsider his actions.
Igali drew a comparison to the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, when legal boundaries around emergency declarations were respected. He said Ibas’ presence in the state under the current conditions was “an embarrassing aberration.”
Similarly, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) called on the Supreme Court to swiftly rule on the legal challenge to the state of emergency declared in Rivers and the suspension of Governor Fubara.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, criticized the judiciary’s credibility and alleged undue influence from the presidency, citing past controversial rulings as examples.
According to Onwubiko, “The judiciary has one last chance to redeem itself. Over 98 per cent of Nigerians believe President Tinubu holds sway over the courts. The Supreme Court must now act with justice and fairness.”
