Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called for the immediate removal of Rivers State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, over what he described as a flagrant breach of constitutional norms and disregard for presidential directives.
In a statement issued Thursday, Falana cited the official Federal Government Gazette that stipulates the terms of the Sole Administrator’s mandate. The document explicitly states that the administrator shall act only under regulations issued by the President.
Quoting the Gazette, Falana pointed out: “The Sole Administrator shall operate on the basis of such Regulations that may, from time to time, be issued by me,” as signed by President Bola Tinubu.
However, Falana emphasized that no such regulations have been issued by the President, rendering the actions of the Sole Administrator legally unfounded.
“Despite this clear constitutional requirement, the Sole Administrator has proceeded to make appointments and dismiss officials previously appointed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara,” Falana said.
He described the move as not only unlawful but also an open defiance of presidential authority: “By treating the orders of President Bola Tinubu with contempt, the Sole Administrator has compounded the illegality of his appointment. He ought to be removed without delay.”
Falana’s remarks add fuel to the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, where questions over the legitimacy of appointments and the tug-of-war between federal and state authorities continue to dominate the political discourse.
