Veteran politician and former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has issued a stern warning to the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), over what he described as unconstitutional actions defying court orders.
George’s caution comes amid reports that Ibas, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in the wake of a political crisis in Rivers, has begun appointing officials to oversee the state’s 23 local government areas and reconstituting boards of state agencies—despite a standing order from the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt barring such moves.
Justice Adamu Turaki Muhammed had previously issued an injunction prohibiting the Sole Administrator from taking executive actions traditionally reserved for an elected governor.
In a statement released Friday, George said such actions amounted to “a clear violation of Nigeria’s Constitution and the rule of law.”
“Your appointment is for just six months. Even if extended, it remains temporary. Nobody elected you,” George stated. “You are not empowered to make far-reaching political decisions that will outlast your tenure.”
He reiterated that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains the constitutionally elected leader of Rivers State and warned that Ibas risks legal and reputational damage by acting outside his remit.
“What happens to your appointees after September 18, when your term ends? Why are you undermining a valid court ruling? Do you possess both legislative and executive powers now?” he queried.
George also appealed to Ibas’ sense of service as a retired Naval officer, urging him to act with integrity.
“You served the nation honorably in uniform. Don’t let unconstitutional politics tarnish your legacy. You didn’t drown in the Navy—don’t let politics sink you legally and politically.”
He concluded by urging restraint and a return to constitutional order, warning that those currently enabling the administrator’s overreach may abandon him once political tides shift.
“Those using you today will throw you under the bus tomorrow. Now is the time to apply the brakes.”
The developments in Rivers State come against the backdrop of ongoing political tension, with many observers warning of deepening legal and constitutional crises if court orders continue to be ignored.
