More groups have risen against the state of emergency and actions of the sole administrator. This is as a group termed ‘PDP Ward Chairmen Forum’ has written to Ibok Ekwe Ibas to stop making what they called unconstitutional appointments.
It is observed that most of the groups protesting against state of emergency, appointment of sole administrator, and the numerous appointments the Solad is making are from the suspended governor’s camp, while open administration and support come from the FCT Minister’s camp.
The PDP Ward Chairmen Forum in their letter to the Solad expressed unequivocal condemnation of his recent actions and viewed them as ‘unlawful, unconstitutional, and deeply troubling’.
The letter said: “It has come to our notice that you have proceeded to make and endorse a series of appointments into local governments across the state without lawful authority and in flagrant violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These actions are not only null and void but constitute an affront to democracy, the rule of law, and the will of the people of Rivers State.
“We must remind you that the Constitution under Section 7(1) is explicit that: The system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this Constitution guaranteed.”
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The letter stated that the Supreme Court reaffirmed this position in the landmark case of ‘Attorney-General of Abia State v. Attorney-General of the Federation (SC/CV/343/2023), where the apex court emphatically held that:
“The practice of appointing unelected persons to administer the affairs of local governments is a breach of the Constitution and must not be tolerated in a constitutional democracy.”
The letter also referred to many more rulings of the apex court and said: “Your actions, therefore, constitute a direct violation of these binding judgments and are tantamount to contempt of court and a usurpation of democratic authority.
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“Additionally, your continued disobedience to the laws duly enacted by the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of Martins Amaewhule, who has been affirmed by the Supreme Court as the authentic Speaker of the Assembly, is a grave affront to constitutional governance. Your refusal to implement these laws not only undermines the authority of a legitimately constituted legislative body but also constitutes a dangerous defiance of the rule of law and judicial pronouncements.
The forum demanded immediate cessation of all appointments or administrative actions; public withdrawal and disavowal of all unconstitutional directives issued thus far; full compliance with the Supreme Court ruling, and alignment of all future conduct with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The group said this letter served as a formal protest and notice, saying should the unconstitutional actions continue, they would have no choice but to pursue all available legal and political remedies to defend the democratic rights of the people.
Another group known as ‘Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group’ led Nancy Nwankwo said: “Once again, and for the umpteenth time, we, the women of Rivers State strongly reiterate our unwavering demand for the immediate termination of the unconstitutional and unjust emergency rule currently imposed on our dear state.
“The continuous actions of the imposed Sole Administrator have clearly exposed the ulterior and politically motivated intentions behind this so-called emergency rule.
“Nearly one month after assuming control, rather than fostering reconciliation among the political stakeholders, Vice Admiral Ibas has deepened the divide. His actions of dismantling democratic institutions and orchestrating policies aimed at achieving political domination serve only the interests of those who appointed him.”
They too rolled out demands similar to the ones by other groups, frowning mostly against appointments that appeared one-sided.
