Ibok-Ete Ibas Upbraided for Appointing Wike’s Cousin to LG Commission

Former chairman of Omuma Local Government Area, Promise Reginald, has Upbraided the Sole.Administrstor of Rivers State Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rets) acting with impunity and bias, particularly in his appointment of a first cousin of Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, to the Local Government Commission.

This move, according to Reginald, is a clear example of Ibas’ illegality and favoritism towards Wike’s allies, which undermines democracy in the state.

Reginald’s accusations are centered around Ibas’ decision to dismantle the existing local government structure, which he claims was done to favor Wike’s loyalists. By doing so, Ibas has allegedly created a power vacuum that has led to a breakdown in governance and has further polarized the state’s political landscape.

Reginald argues that Ibas’ actions are a clear violation of his mandate as Sole Administrator, which is to maintain neutrality and ensure the smooth functioning of the state’s governance structures.

The appointments made by Ibas, including the reconstitution of state boards, have been widely criticized by civil society and supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s faction.

They view these moves as a power grab by Wike’s loyalists, aimed at entrenching their influence in the state ahead of future elections. The fact that Ibas proceeded with the appointments despite an interim order from a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, which restrained him from doing so, has further fueled the controversy.

The Federal High Court’s interim order, issued on April 8, 2025, cited potential unconstitutionality in Ibas’ appointments and restrained him from making further appointments. However, Ibas’ decision to disregard the court’s order has raised questions about his commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting the judiciary’s authority.

This move has been seen as a blatant disregard for the constitutional principles that govern the state’s governance structures.

On the other hand, supporters of Ibas and Wike’s camp may argue that the appointments were within the administrator’s authority to stabilize governance in the state, particularly after the Supreme Court nullified local elections in February 2025.

They may claim that the accusations leveled against Ibas are politically motivated by Governor Fubara’s faction, which has been at odds with Wike’s influence in the state. According to this perspective, Ibas’ actions are necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of the state’s governance structures and to prevent a power vacuum.

The situation in Rivers State remains contentious, with ongoing legal challenges and no clear resolution in sight. The lack of neutrality from Ibas, as alleged, risks escalating political tensions in the state, which could have far-reaching consequences for the state’s stability and democracy. The fact that Ibas has proceeded with appointments despite the court’s interim order has further complicated the situation, and it remains to be seen how the judiciary will respond to this development.

The crisis in Rivers State has significant implications for democracy in the state. The alleged bias and illegality of Ibas’ actions, if proven, could undermine the trust of citizens in the state’s governance structures and the electoral process. The fact that Ibas has disregarded the court’s interim order has raised questions about the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law in the state. If left unchecked, this could lead to a breakdown in governance and a further polarization of the state’s political landscape.

The crisis in Rivers State is a complex and multifaceted issue, with various stakeholders and interests at play. While Ibas’ supporters may argue that his actions are necessary to stabilize governance in the state, his critics see them as a power grab by Wike’s loyalists. The ongoing legal challenges and political tensions in the state highlight the need for a neutral and impartial approach to governance, one that prioritizes the interests of the state and its citizens above personal or partisan interests. Ultimately, the resolution of this crisis will depend on the ability of the state’s stakeholders to put aside their differences and work towards a common goal of promoting democracy, stability, and good governance in Rivers State.