Human rights activist and well-known Rivers State commentator, Ann-Kio Briggs, has criticized the recent actions of the Federal Government in appointing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as sole administrator of the state. She described his role as dangerous and unconstitutional, warning that his continued actions are exacerbating tensions in the region.
During an appearance on Arise Television Thursday, Briggs raised concerns about the growing volatility in Rivers State due to Ibas’ disregard for court orders and his sweeping reforms to the state’s political and administrative structures. Briggs believes these actions could worsen the already fragile situation in the state.
“Noted that if we accept that Vice Admiral Ibas was called out of retirement and sent to Rivers State to keep the peace, then he is very far from doing that. In fact, what he’s doing is pouring petrol on a fire the president may have thought was simmering. He’s set it ablaze,” Briggs said, speaking passionately about the situation.
The state has been operating without a full executive cabinet since President Bola Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. In place of an active cabinet, Ibas has taken over the leadership, but his steps have stirred more than just administrative changes. His actions have included removing elected local government officials, appointing caretaker administrators, and even forming a new electoral commission tasked with overseeing local elections in the state.
Briggs argued that these moves were not only unconstitutional but also undermined the democratic process. “He’s not from Rivers State. How does he know who to appoint? On what basis is he removing civil servants and replacing them? That’s unconstitutional,” she noted, adding that such decisions are harming the stability of the region.
