George Condems Ibas Appointment in Rivers

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has condemned the actions of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), following his recent appointments, and charged him to respect the Constitution and the rule of law.

The Former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, noted that Ibas actions are illegal and potentially regrettable. This was contained in a warning issued on Friday. 

Recall that Empire had reported that a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt  barred the Sole Administrator from appointing Administrators for the councils. Ibas however shunned this order and went ahead to appoint Administrators for LGAs and also appoint a new chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

The development which did not sit well with George led to his warning. He said: “I want to warn Admiral Ibas: if you act against the spirit of the Constitution, you will be held responsible. Your appointment is for just six months. Even if the President extends it, you will still leave one day—because nobody elected you. Your position as Sole Administrator is not legally recognized.”

He stressed that irregardless of the political twist, there is a duly elected governor of the State, and the Administrator has no right to make far-reaching political appointments.

“What happens to those appointments when you leave office on September 18? Why are you flouting a valid court order? Did you receive approval from the National Assembly to reconstitute the boards? Do you now wield both executive and legislative powers in Rivers State?” he asked.

“You have no legal right to appoint anyone. This is not a military regime. The Constitution is still in force. Those using you now will throw you under the bus once you leave office,” he said.

“You behaved honorably as a Naval officer. Don’t let unconstitutional actions stain your record. You did not drown in the Navy—don’t let politics drown you legally and politically. Now is the time to apply the brakes.”