Rivers State In Crisis: Kenneth Okonkwo Denounces Suspension Of Elected Officials As Unlawful

Actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo has strongly criticized the actions of Ibokette Ibas in his role as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, calling every step taken by Ibas since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu “illegal.”

In a statement released on his account on Tuesday, Okonkwo, the former spokesperson for Peter Obi’s presidential campaign, expressed his dismay over the appointment of a military figure to oversee the affairs of Rivers State. He condemned the use of sole administrators for local government areas, the constitution of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), and various other activities under Ibas’ leadership.

Okonkwo argued that it was time to speak out against the situation, stressing that allowing such injustice to continue would enable it to thrive. He wrote, “The Supreme Court has ruled against the governance of local councils by unelected individuals. This judgement, secured by Tinubu’s Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi, must be respected.”

He further criticized President Tinubu’s government for appointing a sole administrator after suspending the elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State lawmakers. He called for the urgent return of full democratic governance in Rivers State, saying, “It is disgraceful that Tinubu is attempting to run Rivers State’s local governments with sole administrators. Ibas is spending state funds without any legislative appropriation. Shame on the National Assembly for allowing this lawlessness.”

Okonkwo also questioned the legality of Ibas’ actions, including his appointment of members to the RSIEC without legislative approval, describing the situation as a military-style imposition in a democratic society. He condemned the silence of Rivers State residents and the wider public, saying, “Rivers is deteriorating not because of the actions of wrongdoers, but because of the silence of the good.”

He concluded by warning that every action taken by the Sole Administrator and his appointment itself were illegal, likening the situation to a military regime disguised as a democracy. Okonkwo called on Nigeria to ensure it never returns to military rule or civilian dictatorship under the guise of democracy.