A coalition of civil society organisations under the banner Civic Room for Rule of Law has thrown its support behind growing demands for the immediate removal of Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Ibok-ete Ibas.
The group criticised Ibas for alleged overreach, particularly the dismissal of appointees of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, actions that have sparked nationwide backlash.
Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, also called for Ibas’ removal, citing constitutional violations and a failure to adhere to regulations outlined in a Federal Government Gazette issued by President Bola Tinubu.
According to the document, Ibas’s powers are limited to directives issued by the President.
In a statement released Tuesday, the coalition’s president, Maxwell Egboh, accused Ibas of flouting presidential orders and undermining the rule of law.
“The Sole Administrator’s arbitrary decisions have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and tension, which can only be resolved by his immediate removal,” the group said, urging President Tinubu to act swiftly.
The coalition also commended the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State for summoning Ibas and called for a thorough investigation into his conduct.
