A pro-democracy group, Citizens for Democratic Watch, has issued a strong condemnation of the actions of Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene over what it described as a gross violation of constitutional order.
CDW’s criticism comes in response to Ibas’s recent appointment of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas in Rivers State, a move carried out barely 24 hours after a Federal High Court issued an order restraining him from making such appointments.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Dr Hassan Dantani, Executive Director of CDW, described the development as “a dangerous abuse of power and a direct attack on the constitution.”
According to the group, the Sole Administrator’s decision has triggered widespread concern, with many viewing it as an attempt to undermine democratic institutions “under the guise of emergency governance.”
Dantani said, “Appointing 23 sole administrators in clear defiance of a federal court order is not only unlawful — it is tyrannical.”
He further stated, “No state of emergency gives anyone the license to override the judiciary, erase local governance, and act above the law. This must be condemned in the strongest terms.”
CDW maintained that the local government system is a constitutionally guaranteed tier of governance, warning that any effort to run it without elected officials could have dire consequences for Nigeria’s democratic stability.
“This action by Ibok-Ete Ibas is a grave violation of Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the system of democratically elected local government councils,” Dantani emphasised.
“Our democracy cannot function if unelected individuals are imposed to run local governments under military-style appointments.”
The group expressed fears that if Ibas’s appointments are allowed to stand, it could set a precedent that encourages other political actors to disregard court rulings and undermine the judiciary.
“The blatant disregard for a valid court order should alarm every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation,” Dantani stated.
“When leaders ignore court rulings and impose their will, what remains of the rule of law? If we allow this to stand in Rivers, it could happen anywhere else.”
CDW called on the National Assembly to urgently summon Ibok-Ete Ibas to explain his actions and ensure that constitutional boundaries are upheld.
“We urge the Senate and House of Representatives to treat this matter as a priority,” Dantani added.
“Democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of expediency or political convenience.”
The group concluded by demanding the immediate reversal of the LGA appointments and a full return to constitutional governance in Rivers State.
“The people of Rivers State deserve legitimate, elected representation — not handpicked appointees. We must not normalise authoritarian shortcuts in a democratic society,” the group warned.
