Bayelsa Politics Erupts: Anabs Sara-Igbe Declares Ibas’ Attempt To Sack Commissioners Invalid

Sara-Igbe also raised concerns over the withholding of the state’s allocation, claiming that funds were withheld on the basis that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had yet to present the state budget, while the same funds were released to Ibas, whom he deems to be holding an unconstitutional office. Ibas, in a statement released on Wednesday, announced the suspension of key political appointees of Governor Fubara, including the Secretary to the State Government and Commissioners.

In an interview with Punch, Sara-Igbe swiftly condemned these actions, highlighting the legal implications of Ibas’s appointment. He pointed out that the Supreme Court had ruled that Governor Fubara’s salary could not be paid until he presented the budget, but that the government had prevented him from doing so. He also referenced failed impeachment attempts against Fubara, with the court admitting evidence and scheduling a ruling for the 16th of the month.

Sara-Igbe firmly argued that Ibas’s actions—such as suspending Fubara’s appointees—are illegal. He stressed that the Constitution does not permit a sole administrator to take on the duties of a governor, and therefore, Ibas lacks the legal authority to carry out such actions.

“He (Ibas) has no powers to sack commissioners. He also does not have powers to appoint local government administrators,” Sara-Igbe emphasized.

He reminded that the Supreme Court has already ruled that local government administrators must be elected, not appointed, and Ibas’s appointment contradicts this ruling. Additionally, he criticized President Tinubu for authorizing the release of funds to Ibas, describing it as an act of contempt against the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Sara-Igbe voiced concern over the unconstitutional actions being carried out, alleging that key figures in the government, such as President Tinubu, former Governor Nyesom Wike, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, are governing Nigeria by fiat rather than constitutional processes.

He warned that these actions are illegal and will be challenged. He added that President Tinubu’s immunity raises the question of whether others involved also enjoy immunity. He cautioned Ibas against engaging in illegal actions, advising him to refrain from entering a situation that could tarnish his clean slate.

Sara-Igbe further questioned the legality of the local government elections, claiming that the statutory notice period for such elections had not been met, rendering them impossible to conduct. He concluded by stressing that all actions taken under Ibas’s leadership are illegal and will ultimately be contested, asserting, “They are illegality, null and void and of no effect. They will account for everything, every penny.”