Femi Falana, a prominent Nigerian human rights lawyer, has called for the removal of Rivers State's Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, for breaching President Tinubu’s official orders. Falana argues that Ibas’s actions, including making appointments without presidential regulation, are illegal and undermine the legitimacy of his role.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to remove Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) from his role as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, accusing him of breaching a key presidential directive. The retired naval officer, who was appointed following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, is alleged to have violated the official regulations outlined in the proclamation issued by the president on March 18, 2025.
Falana, in a public statement, argued that the official gazette, which authorized the appointment of Ibas, made it clear that the administrator’s actions should align with regulations set by the president. However, he pointed out that despite no formal regulations being issued by Tinubu, Ibas moved forward with appointments and dismissals, including removing officials appointed by the previous governor, Siminalayi Fubara. This, Falana argues, directly contradicts the legal framework established by the presidential decree.
"The actions of the Sole Administrator suggest contempt for the president’s directives. Such violations further question the legality of his appointment," Falana stated. He called for Ibas’s immediate removal, insisting that allowing these actions to continue would further undermine the authority of the office and the legal process guiding the state of emergency.
The situation in Rivers State has remained tense since Tinubu declared the state of emergency, suspending Governor Fubara and other key officials, including the deputy governor and members of the state’s legislative body. Tinubu cited growing instability in the state as justification for the emergency measures, with the aim of restoring order. However, legal experts and political observers have raised concerns about the far-reaching implications of such federal intervention in state governance.
Ibas, who served as Nigeria's Chief of Naval Staff between 2015 and 2021, was appointed to oversee the state’s affairs during this period of crisis. His appointment, alongside the suspension of elected officials, has been controversial. Critics, including Falana, argue that his administrative actions should only be valid under explicit regulations from the president, which have not yet been issued.
