KEY POINTS

• 35 civil society organisations in Rivers State petitioned the House of Representatives, accusing the state administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, of undermining democracy and using federal power for intimidation.

• The CSOs called for immediate action to halt Ibas’ alleged authoritarian actions, including an investigation into his conduct and the cessation of security forces’ illegal occupation of the state legislature.

• The coalition warned that if no response is given, they would continue to take legal and civic actions, emphasizing that Rivers State must uphold democratic values and constitutional governance.

A coalition of 35 civil society organizations, CSOs, in Rivers State has officially petitioned the House of Representatives, accusing the state’s administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), of committing severe acts of lawlessness and impunity.

Channelstv reports that the groups express alarm over what they describe as a growing trend toward authoritarianism under Ibas’ leadership, urging the National Assembly to take immediate action to address the situation.

In a strongly worded 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 CSOs have demanded that the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight intervene without delay.

The petition alleges that Ibas has been using federal power and security forces to intimidate public officials, suppress democratic institutions, and disrupt the functioning of the state government.

The letter states that these actions have caused political instability, undermined democratic values, and contributed to an institutional breakdown in Rivers State.

“The conduct of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas is not only reckless and unconstitutional but also a slap in the face of democratic values,” the coalition’s letter read. “His actions have aggravated political instability and contributed to the breakdown of institutional processes in Rivers State.”

Calls for Immediate Action from National Assembly

The coalition is demanding that the National Assembly take immediate steps to address the situation. The CSOs have called for the following actions:

• Immediate investigation into the legality of Ibas’ actions and a call to order for him to desist from these practices.

• Protection of democratic institutions in Rivers State, particularly ensuring the autonomy and proper functioning of the state legislature.

• An order for security agencies to cease their illegal occupation of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex.

The CSOs are concerned that if these issues are not addressed, the disruption of civil authority could lead to public unrest and further undermine trust in Nigeria’s democratic system. They also warned that if no action is taken, they would continue their advocacy through constitutional means and pursue further legal and civic actions.

“This is a democracy. Rivers people deserve peace, order, and functional institutions, not autocracy dressed in federal camouflage,” the coalition’s letter emphasized.

A unified stand for constitutionalism and democracy

Among the signatories to the petition are several prominent 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

In their letter, the CSOs emphasize that Rivers State should not be treated as a military cantonment, stressing that no individual, no matter how powerful, should be allowed to operate outside the constitution. “Rivers State is a democracy, not a military dictatorship,” they stated, calling for respect for the rule of law and the protection of democratic values.

The CSOs have also urged the public to stand firm and support their efforts to safeguard the integrity of governance in Rivers State. They warn that allowing the continuation of such actions would set a dangerous precedent for the future of democracy in Nigeria.