The Rivers Emancipation Movement, a civil society group, has vowed to take to the streets if the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), appoints administrators to oversee the state’s 23 local government areas.
Reports emerged over the weekend suggesting that Ibas, appointed by President Bola Tinubu on 18 March 2025 following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and state lawmakers, may soon appoint administrators to the councils.
Sources informed Chronicle NG on Monday that the announcement could come as early as Tuesday, unless there are last-minute changes. The sources claimed that a list of proposed administrators had already been compiled, with most allegedly not affiliated with the suspended governor’s political camp.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof Ngozi Odu, and the state legislators.
Chronicle NG reports that prior to his suspension, Fubara had directed local government chairmen—elected in the 5 October 2024 polls—to hand over to their respective Heads of Local Government Administration after the Supreme Court sacked them on 28 February 2025.
In an open letter addressed to Ibas and circulated to media outlets in Port Harcourt on Monday, the group expressed alarm over the alleged plan to install appointed administrators.
Titled ‘Respect the Rule of Law: Local Governments Must Not Be Run by Appointed Administrators’, the letter was signed by the group’s National President, Zoe Tamunotonye, and National Secretary, Solomon Lenu. Copies were reportedly sent to the President, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Inspector General of Police, and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police.
The statement read: “The Rivers Emancipation Movement, on behalf of the people of Rivers State, expresses grave concern over reports of plans to appoint Local Government administrators. Such a move would constitute a direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution and the recent Supreme Court judgment affirming local government autonomy. The ruling clearly stipulates that local governments must be governed by elected officials, not appointees. Any action to the contrary would undermine democratic governance, erode public trust, and set a dangerous precedent for executive overreach.”
The group urged the Sole Administrator to uphold the rule of law and democratic principles, stating:
“Governance must be rooted in legitimacy, due process, and constitutional order to ensure peace, stability, and progress in Rivers State. The people have consistently defended democracy and constitutional governance. Any attempt to impose unelected administrators would not only be unlawful but also provoke widespread discontent among citizens and stakeholders committed to justice and good governance.”
Speaking to journalists, the group’s National President warned that if Ibas proceeded with the plan, they would employ all lawful means, including protests, to ensure compliance with the law.
“Should the Sole Administrator proceed with appointing administrators, we will respond within democratic processes. We will protest and demand respect for the rule of law, even under the current administrative framework. Every lawful avenue, including demonstrations, will be used to ensure the right thing is done in Rivers State,” he said.
At the time of reporting, the Sole Administrator had not appointed a media aide, leaving journalists unable to obtain an official response.
