PANDEF chairman writes Ibas, criticises ‘systematic tearing down’ of structures in Rivers

Godknows Igali, chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has criticised Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers, over the “systematic tearing down” of structures in the state.

BACKGROUND

On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state, citing the protracted political crisis and vandalisation of oil facilities.

He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, the state governor; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for six months.

The president appointed Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.

Shortly after his appointment, the Rivers sole administrator suspended all political officeholders appointed by Fubara, including Adolphus Enebeli, head of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

‘IT’S TROUBLING’

In a letter dated April 3, 2025, and addressed to Ibas, Igali said the sole administrator should have worked with Fubara’s appointees to restore peace in the state.

“I have thought it important and quite pertinent to write to you to raise a matter of serious concern to all watchers of the event in Rivers State and particularly leaders of various groups in the south-south of the country,” the letter reads.

“This pertains to what we observe to be a systematic tearing down of various structures, which are important for the continued building and consolidation of democracy in Rivers State right now taking place under your watch.

“The more troubling scenario that has emerged from your assumption of office is the unbelievable level of dismantling, disassembling, and raising down all the institutions of democracy that have been in existence in the state. These are many, and I may not be able to exhaustively recount all of them, but the mention of a few will suffice.

“First is the removal of the photographs of the elected governor from all offices when he has not yet been removed from office. This I saw first-hand at the Port Harcourt International Airport, where I often pass through and was told this was at the behest of your administration.   

“On enquiry, I was told that this has happened in all other government offices around the state.  Beyond that, is your most recent decision to suspend the boards of existing statutory institutions such as State Independent Electoral Commission, Governing Councils of Tertiary Institutions, and even the revered Traditional Rulers Council.

“It is against this backdrop that I have been in great pain to write this letter to you and take the liberty to caution that in this complex national assignments which you find yourself enlisted to carry out, you must be timorous enough to not find yourself taking decisions that pale in the sight of best and acceptable standards of decency.

“In conclusion, may the good Lord use you as a dispassionate instrument of peace, and may you have the courage to undo some of your actions that have so far proven to be over the bar.”

Igali added that PANDEF will work with Ibas to ensure his “peaceful tenure and early exit from the scene” in Rivers state.