The Ward Chairmen Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has issued a warning to Ibok-Ete Ibas, the state’s sole administrator, regarding the recent appointment of local government caretakers, indicating potential legal action.
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers due to ongoing political turmoil within the region. The president also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, the governor, Ngozi Odu, the deputy governor, and all state assembly members for an initial six-month period. In light of this, Ibas, a retired naval chief, was appointed as the state’s sole administrator.
In a letter dated April 15 and directed to Ibas, Collins Wobo Chukwu, the coordinator of the Ward Chairmen Forum of the PDP, described the sole administrator’s actions as “unlawful, unconstitutional, and deeply troubling.”
Chukwu’s letter stated, “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.” He further asserted, “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.”
Citing a case between the attorney-general of Abia State and the attorney-general of the federation (SC/CV/343/2023), Chukwu noted that the Supreme Court has established that the practice of appointing unelected individuals to manage local government affairs breaches the constitution and should not be tolerated in a constitutional democracy. He emphasised, “The court also ruled that any law or action that permits the dissolution of democratically elected local government councils and their replacement with caretaker committees is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.”
Chukwu added, “Your actions, therefore, constitute a direct violation of these binding judgments and are tantamount to contempt of court and a usurpation of democratic authority.” He further highlighted that Ibas’s ongoing disregard for the laws enacted by the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule—who has been validated by the Supreme Court as the legitimate Speaker—represents a severe affront to constitutional governance.
He stated, “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.”
Chukwu urged Ibas to rescind all appointments made thus far and called for full compliance with the Supreme Court ruling concerning local governments, alongside ensuring that future actions align with the constitution. He warned that should Ibas fail to adhere to their demands, the forum would pursue “legal and political remedies to defend the democratic rights of the people.”
In a significant ruling in July 2024, the Supreme Court determined that the federal government must allocate funds directly to local government councils from the federation account, further asserting that the federal government could withhold allocations from local governments led by unelected officials.
