Nigerian lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has called on the Tinubu-led Federal government to immediately remove the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas.
Falana accused Ibas of breaching constitutional procedures and defying directives from President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement released on Thursday, Falana cited the official Federal Government Gazette, which clearly outlined the terms governing the Sole Administrator’s operations.
According to the document, President Tinubu had stated, “The Sole Administrator shall operate on the basis of such Regulations that may, from time to time, be issued by me.”
However, Falana pointed out that “it is common knowledge that President Bola Tinubu has not issued any Regulation for the operation of the Sole Administrator.”
Despite this clear directive, Ibas has proceeded to make appointments and remove officials originally appointed by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Falana condemned the actions of the Sole Administrator, calling them unlawful and a blatant disregard for the authority of President Tinubu.
He further stated, “By treating the orders of President Bola Tinubu with contempt, the Sole Administrator has compounded the illegality of his appointment. The Sole Administrator ought to be removed without any further delay.”
Falana’s call for action comes amid an ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, which has seen the legitimacy of key appointments and the balance of power between the state and the federal government come under intense scrutiny.
The situation continues to fuel political debates and legal challenges, as questions surrounding the legality of the Sole Administrator’s appointment and the functioning of state institutions remain unresolved.
