Civil Society Revolt: 35 Groups Accuse Rivers Administrator OF Abuses, Petition Federal Lawmakers

In a letter titled “Severe and Brazen Acts of Lawlessness and Impunity Being Carried Out by the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, and the Need to Nip Them in the Bud in the Interest of Mutual Peace and Constitutionalism,” the coalition urged the Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight to take immediate action to prevent what they fear is a dangerous slide into authoritarianism.

The coalition, made up of notable civil society leaders, accused Ibas of subverting constitutional governance by leveraging federal authority and deploying security forces to harass public officials, cripple democratic institutions, and obstruct the lawful operations of the state government.

“The conduct of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas is not only unconstitutional and reckless but also a direct affront to democratic principles,” the petition read. “His actions are escalating political instability and contributing to the breakdown of governance structures in Rivers State.”

In their demands to the National Assembly, the CSOs called for:

• A full investigation into Ibas’ actions: They urged lawmakers to scrutinize the legality of his conduct and call him to order.

• Restoration of democratic institutions: The coalition emphasized the urgent need for the Rivers State legislature and other institutions to function independently and without interference.

• Immediate withdrawal of security forces: They demanded an end to the alleged illegal occupation of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex by security operatives.

The group warned that failing to address the situation could lead to widespread public unrest and diminish Nigerians’ trust in democratic governance.

The petition was signed by key civil society leaders, including:

• Comrade Enefaa Georgewill – Rivers State Civil Society Organizations (RIVCSO)

• Amb. Marvin Yobana – Citizens Quest for Truth Initiative

• Comrade Loveday Enyinda – MOSOP, Rivers State Chapter

• Pastor Mike Daka – Foundation for Leadership and Youth Initiative

• Comrade Nwilene John – Niger Delta Youth for Peace and Development

They were joined by representatives of 30 other organizations, collectively calling for the urgent preservation of democracy and rule of law in Rivers State.