There were concerns at the Government House in Rivers State over alleged plans by the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas(rtd), to announce new Local Government Area (LGA) administrators.
It could be recalled that immediately after the Supreme Court judgment that nullified the October 5, 2024, local government elections in Rivers State, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara directed all the council chairmen to hand over to the heads of local governments until proper elections are conducted.
However, sources from the Government House in Rivers who pleaded anonymity, said the sole administrator is set to announce new council administrators despite the clear provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the autonomy of Local Governments.
The move, if carried out, the sources noted, would amount to a blatant disregard for democratic principles and a violation of the Supreme Court’s ruling, which reaffirmed that local governments must be governed by elected officials, not handpicked appointees.
The sources disclosed that names of supposed administrators have already been compiled, raising fears of an orchestrated attempt to subvert the will of the people. Such actions could plunge the local government system into further crisis, setting a dangerous precedent for executive overreach.
“Nigerians must remain vigilant against this unconstitutional maneuver, as it threatens the foundation of grassroots democracy. Any attempt to impose unelected administrators on LGAs must be met with firm resistance from law-abiding citizens, political stakeholders, and civil society group.
“Will the rule of law prevail, or will impunity reign? The next 24 hours will be crucial in determining whether democracy holds firm or is trampled upon,” a source said.
