The National President of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Godknows Igali, has expressed serious concerns over the dismantling of democratic institutions in Rivers State by the Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd).
In an open letter addressed to Admiral Ibas, Dr. Igali said the actions taken by the administrator have gone beyond his gazetted mandate and were detrimental to the consolidation of democracy in the state.
Dr. Igali, who refrained from congratulating Admiral Ibas upon his appointment due to the “embarrassing aberration” of imposing a state of emergency in Rivers State, stated that the actions of the administrator are “alien and repugnant to our current democratic structure.”
“The decapitation of democratic institutions in times of emergency rule is alien and repugnant to our current democratic structure,” he asserted.
Igali criticized the removal of elected Governor’s photographs from government offices, the suspension of boards for crucial institutions like the State Independent Electoral Commission, Governing Councils of Tertiary Institutions, and even the Traditional Rulers Council.
“These actions go beyond the mandate of a sole administrator,” Dr. Igali stated. He outlined the key duties of a sole administrator, which include interim management, financial control, personnel management, and ensuring peace.
Dr. Igali urged Admiral Ibas to reconsider his actions and focus on fulfilling the true purpose of his appointment, which is to bring peace and stability to Rivers State while respecting the existing democratic structures.
PANDEF, under Dr. Igali’s leadership, has called for maximum cooperation with the Sole Administrator while advocating for the reconstitution of democratic institutions in the state. They have also urged the youth and political actors in Rivers State to remain calm and avoid any unrest.
The situation in Rivers State remains tense as the sole administrator’s actions continue to spark controversy. It remains to be seen whether Admiral Ibas will heed Dr. Igali’s call to reconsider his approach and focus on restoring peace and stability while respecting the democratic fabric of the state.
