There are growing concerns in Rivers State over alleged plans by the state’s sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, to appoint new Local Government Area (LGA) administrators.
According to reports from anonymous sources close to the Rivers Government House, the move could trigger serious issues regarding local government autonomy, which is guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
The controversy follows a Supreme Court ruling that nullified the local government elections held on October 5, 2024.
Before the judgment, the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, had instructed all council chairmen to hand over their responsibilities to local government heads until fresh elections could be conducted.
This step was aimed at ensuring the smooth functioning of local administrations in the interim.
However, recent reports suggest that Ibas may be preparing to bypass this arrangement by appointing new council administrators.
This alleged plan has sparked fears about a possible violation of constitutional provisions and democratic rights in the state.
Sources claimed that a list of potential administrators has already been drawn up, raising suspicions of an orchestrated attempt to undermine the will of the people.
Critics fear that imposing unelected administrators could lead to deeper political instability and set a troubling precedent for executive interference in local government affairs.
Concerns are mounting among political stakeholders and civil society groups, who believe that such a move would go against the Supreme Court’s decision and undermine grassroots democracy.
With tensions rising, observers are closely watching the situation to see whether constitutional order will prevail or if the state’s democratic foundations will be further tested.
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