Rivers Crisis: Lawyers, CSOs Condemn Ibas’ Suspension of Political Appointees, Petition UN Over Tinubu’s Emergency Rule
Legal experts and civil society groups have denounced the suspension of political appointees by Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), calling it unconstitutional and a threat to democracy.
Senior lawyers argue Ibas lacks the authority to sack Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s appointees, with some calling for President Tinubu to rein him in. However, others contend that a sole administrator can dismiss appointed officials but not elected ones.
Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society organizations has petitioned the United Nations, urging sanctions on Nigeria and calling for the restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State. The Rivers APC, however, backs Tinubu’s emergency declaration, claiming it has resolved 90% of the crisis.
