Rivers: Your good intentions have been ruined, discard administrator now – Group to Tinubu

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Declaring that the Federal Government’s interference has disrupted constitutional order and exacerbated instability in the oil-rich state, a civic coalition led by the Citizens’ Action for Democratic Restoration (CADR) has called for the immediate termination of emergency rule in Rivers State.

President Bola Tinubu was criticized by the group, which was headed by National President Dr. Maryleen Ebere Okoro, for designating Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as the only administrator.

They described the emergency rule as a “reckless overreach” that has aggravated the Rivers crisis and repressed the will of the people.

CADR criticized the administrator’s ongoing suspension of democratic institutions and imposition of unilateral control without legislative or legal support in a statement released in Port Harcourt and made available to press on Saturday.

“President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers may have been driven by a desire to stabilise the state, but the appointment of a sole administrator who has suspended state structures, defied court rulings, and threatened peaceful protesters has ruined any good intention that may have existed. This is no longer intervention, it is occupation,” she said.

Since the emergency declaration on March 18, CADR has noted a number of concerning developments, including the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the house of assembly; the mass dismissal of state executives and political appointees; the appointment of local government administrators in violation of ongoing court orders; and the repeated crackdowns on protest groups, especially those led by women and calling for a return to civil governance.

“Vice Admiral Ibas has dismantled the democratic scaffolding of Rivers State. Local councils are being filled with handpicked loyalists. Rivers State has become a dictatorship under federal cover and Nigerians are watching in disbelief.”

Dr. Okoro went on to say that attempts to intimidate demonstrators simply serve to highlight the government’s diminished moral authority.

“When women carrying placards are tear-gassed, it is no longer about peacekeeping. It becomes state-sponsored repression. We cannot build unity on the foundation of fear.”

In response to growing criticism from civil rights organizations, legal professionals, and regular individuals, CADR also questioned the President’s silence.

The group claims that the dispute could have been settled without jeopardizing constitutional democracy through a thorough stakeholder engagement involving elected officials, civic society, and traditional rulers.

“If the President truly sought peace, he would have convened all relevant actors in Rivers State to mediate a path forward. Instead, he chose the path of imposition and exclusion. That decision is now backfiring and threatening national unity,” she said.

The group said that permitting Ibas to remain in office while exercising emergency powers might create a risky precedent.

“Today, it is Rivers. Tomorrow, it could be any state where political disagreements exist. If one man can replace an entire government by federal decree, then our democracy is in grave danger,” Okoro said.

“The situation in Rivers is not democratic and so we urge President Tinubu immediately rescind the emergency order, reinstate Fubara, and initiate a peacebuilding process anchored in constitutional law.

“Our message is clear. The administrator must go. The emergency rule must end. Nigerians did not die for democracy only to be ruled by decree again. Enough is enough,” she declared.

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