Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has urged the Federal Government to sack the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, citing constitutional breaches and defiance of President Bola Tinubu’s authority.
In a statement on Thursday, Falana referred to a Federal Government Gazette which stipulated that the administrator’s actions must be guided by regulations issued by the President. However, he pointed out that no such regulations have been released.
“It is common knowledge that President Bola Tinubu has not issued any Regulation for the operation of the Sole Administrator,” Falana said.
Despite the absence of presidential directives, Ibas has reportedly been making appointments and dismissals, overriding decisions made by the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
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Falana described the administrator’s conduct as not only illegal but also disrespectful to the presidency. “By treating the orders of President Bola Tinubu with contempt, the Sole Administrator has compounded the illegality of his appointment,” he stated.
The senior lawyer insisted that Ibas should be removed without delay to uphold constitutional integrity.
His comments come amid escalating tensions over governance and legitimacy in Rivers State, as questions mount about federal overreach and the balance of power at the state level.